Best waterproof bowl finnish?

[Paul Downes]

I'm thinking of turning a vase or two and was wondering if there is a finish that will hold up to being filled with water. I'm thinking a hard epoxy might work. Any ideas?

[Jim Becker]

An epoxy/resin finish would be about the only possiblity, but it is likely that it would still fail due to the problem of getting things coated properly on the inside. You might want to consider turning the wood in such a way that it could surround a glass insert for best results. That way, you get the beauty of the wood with the easy cleaning and predictable "water holding capability" of the glass vessel!

[Todd Burch]

Paul, if you turn a white oak vase, you won't need a finish on the inside. If you turn a red oak vase, also turn a white oak bowl to set it in!