Added to that, it's going to be a "spirit stick" used by a swim team, so it will be poolside with them and be handled by people with wet hands. They will be painting on it throughout the swim year. I'm just cutting it into a mermaid shape, roughly 3.5 ft long by 9 in wide. Was thinking white oak, quarter sawn if I can find it for not too much. But what to seal it with so it fairs well poolside, but is still receptive to who knows what kind of paint the kids will be using? My first thought was shellac, primarily because just about anything will stick to it, though it's not the best with water, but does provide some protection. Wanted some real finishers' opinions before I went ahead with that!
Thanks.