Preserving the wood for mounting
 

Ok-
I did not know where to post this so it's here. I have a hulled out piece of riverbed wood, it looks like a half of log hollowed out. I want to mount an Encycla alata in it, but I would like the outside to finish up and preserve moisture from leaking out that way. Don't know if you quite folow this, but I'm thinking a sanding and then a wax to brign out the grain but not poision the plant? Does any one have any suggestions?
Thanks

Erin,
Congrats (again) for the Wedding! In Brazil we use Peroba-Rosa (Aspidosperma polyneuron) rind to mount orchids; peroba is naturally rich in oil and is long lasting wood/rind. I think wax or mineral oil will poison the plant; vegetal oil perhaps doesn't poison the orchids. To preserve humidity when mouting orchids I often use sphagnum over the roots; when new roots grow they will fix the plant in the rind (peroba rind is very wrinkled)

all wood finishes contain toxins not only bad for the plant but you as well yes even waterbase you just can not smell it and it is non explosive. the only finish that would hold up is a automotive clear coat and that will be limited due to the constant expansion and contraction of the wood it self. you could possibly use real shellac as it is derived from a bug and mixed with denatured alcoholbut you would have to reapply every year or so as it does no protection against water just looks pretty. if you ever have a chance you could use a spanish cedar, taupe or ipe prononced I PAY the last two rather expensive these will hold up to water for a very long time. I take it the riverbed wood is the same as driftwood it will last for years in the water due to the lack of sunlight and oxygen mix., once it is brought out into the elements it will slowly decay. i am not trying to deter you from doing what you want to do i think it is a excellent idea and would look great when finished. think about the shellac route as it will look nice and really make the grain pop out. you can to homesteadfinishing.com and look at different shellac shades. do remember that you mixe this with denatured alcohol and can be explosive when using make sure you have good ventilation when using any type of wood finish