Showing both sides of the first of 12 cross-sections of an old Lilac tree that will be assembled with its mates into a sculpture when I figure out how to do that. The carving/texturing on the ‘natural’ raises the stakes and interest considerably – although adding colour (not shown here) not so much I find. Spent much time going around and around in circles, again, with all the “finishing” alternatives - to pop the grain (necessarily oil-based), preserve its color, AND harden the surface. Saw NO significant differences among ALL the alternatives and ended up with “danish oil” then wipe-on poly AGAIN. I swear to never go around those finishing circles again! Although Peter Hyde has put me onto a “sanding paste” that gives a fantastic ‘glossy’ very sensual finish that might outshine the Beal buffing system! Comments, reactions, suggestions welcome.