Hi --
I'm a couple of weekends short of completing a tack trunk for my daughter. Construction is African mahogany frame (corners and rails joined by sliding dovetails) and marine grade okoume panels for sides and top. I plan to attach 3" casters to keep it off the ground and facilitate movement.
To those who are unfamiliar with tack trunks: they are used by horse back riders to store equipment and are subjected to tough conditions and treatment. This one will live in a NE barn (covered, unheated, lots of openings to outside)and will be transported to events where it may be stored in similar conditions -- or worse, left outside for hours exposed to the elements for short periods of time.
Obviously, I'm asking a lot of any finishing solution. My goals: (1) protection against environment (2) durability against tough handling, (3) attractive finish that highlights both woods (accentuating contrast between the darker mahogany and lighter okoume), (4) need for reasonable skill level to apply finish (I'm not a finishing pro)and (5)anything I'm too inexperienced to realize is an important goal.
For what it's worth, based on my research, I'm thinking about marine grade varnish (low sheen). But, here's where I would really welcome actual experience from forum members to guide my choice.
Thanks in advance for advice/suggestions. I'm glad to provide additional information if that would help.
Best,
Ken