Log end grain sealer.

[Mac5005]

I got a big log and two slabs today of a 29" red oak that I'm going to make into a dining room table and two end tables.

What should I use to coat the fresh cuts to prevent end grain checking and cracking from it drying too fast?

Google says to use anchorseal, but is pretty expensive at $32/quart, $50/ gal, or $125 for 5 gal.

Anyone have any experience with some of the other ways?

White wood glue mixed 50/50 with water?

Latex paint?

Driveway or deck sealer?

Melt down wax and cover?

Thanks,

Scott

 

[a_kelley]

Wax usually

 

[rockcity]

I've used anchorseal quite a bit. Bought by the 55gallon barrel. We used to use roofing tar but switched to anchorseal as it's more environmentally safe. I don't think it works as good.

We used it to paint on stumps to keep them from rotting. Not exactly the same use as you but hopefully it helps

 

[Blkvoodoo]

Vaseline, its petro base, will seal, and soak in as well, and cheap

 

[Mac5005]

I ended up buying anchorseal in cyber Monday for a deal.

It painted on white and dried clear. It says it's a water based wax product.

It formed a wax coating that soaked into the end grain.

I'll post results when I find out if it works.

I had trash bags taped over the ends waiting for the anchorseal to arrive.

The forked end was already checking as it was cut the weekend after hurricane matthew, but we will see how my fresh cuts do.