I am putting together a gift for my dad, who is into woodturning and makes canes. I got him a bunch of attractive stones to use as cane handles, and the hardware to attach the stones to the canes. I would also like to get him a finish to bring out the color of the stones - these stones look more attractive when wet. There are several different types of rock - some of the stones are granite, and all of them have similar porosity.
A clerk at a local hardware store recommended Thompson’s Water Seal. I’d like the opinions of the experts on this board. Is this the best finish for the purpose? Again, what I want is a finish that will bring out the color and beauty of the stones. The finish should also be appropriate to constant handling with bare skin - it should not turn sticky due to skin oils, for example.
How about some kind of mineral oil? That’s what they use as a finish on stone kitchen counters that look better darkened (look soapstone). And they still feel like stone, instead of plasticy.
I’d go with the tumbler first, but if that is not an option go with a “wet look” masonry sealant. You can find it in the big box stores by the paint or tiles. Superior products are available from masonry supply houses.
Do not use thompsons. In my experience it is worthless for for what you want it for.
