the wood I want to use

[johnblagg]

Ok this is a piece I'v had for about 20 years and have decided it needs to be used as a mount now instead of a paperweight ....what do you guys think?


It is clear coated with polyethelyene but I would think it is safe to use.It has been so long the clear coat is wearing thin in spots.

what do you think would be good to mount upon it?

[Zoi2]

I love that piece of wood!!! I don't know if the polyethelyene will be a problem with the plant, but the roots are going to need to attach to the wood. Will they be able to with the coating? Can it be sanded off?
There are so many minitures that would look awesome on that "paperweight".
Joann

[Bird Song Farm]

John, you don't want to experiment with any of your beautiful plants! Send the wood to me and I'll experiment. LOL

No, I don't think the poly finish would harm a plants roots.

AL

[Ray]

Don't you really mean polyurethane? I am not aware of polyethylene being available in a "paintable" form.

The idea of using a piece of coated wood as a mount seems "iffy" to me.

[johnblagg]

Originally Posted by Ray

Don't you really mean polyurethane? I am not aware of polyethylene being available in a "paintable" form.

The idea of using a piece of coated wood as a mount seems "iffy" to me.

yes I do Ray ...LOL sorry, and I am kind of in the it is iffy mode myself .....Thats why I am asking here.

But the back side of this piece has not been treated and is natural.It even has a nice cupped shape on the reverse side.I could mount on that side and it would still make a nice display sitting on a table or even hanging.

I will attach some small chain to suspend it and take a pic to see what everyone thinks of it that way.

[cb977]

That's a nice piece

If I were going to mount a chid to it, I would probably at least give it a good brushing with a wire brush and rinse it.

I don't think there'd be a problem...but remember that it's an experiment and things can go wrong.

[Gin]

I would be more concerned with the piece then the plant if the finish is removed or water penetrates the untreated wood .
It is a beauty would hate to see it damaged ..

[Connie Star]

I think polyurethane is pretty inert once it's dried. The fumes are toxic, but they should have dissipated after 20 hours, let alone 20 years. I'd give it a try- I might not use my most favorite of all plants.
Just my

[Paul]

I've done waterproofing sealant on wood with no ill effects for the plants. Now, of course, my experience might not be the same as yours but things like this can be done. It would indeed be a shame to ruin such a beautiful piece of wood, so I would be inclined to put a sealant on it.

[jkofferdahl]

I wouldn't feel good about the polyurethane. Any chance you could sandblast it to remove the stuff?