I am about to make a sharpening station. Part of it will include the NanoHone 3 stone "pond". I will place it on a shelf with a hole cut out in the bottom to correspond to where the drainage opening is (you can remove a screw to drain) and place a bucket underneath. I do not have a sink in the shop.

For those who do not have sharpening stations near a sink where there is a suitable stainless steel or other surrounding counter surface, I see many use a station made from wood to store or set their stones. Others mention something like granite tile scraps, but those are in certain fixed sizes.

I am thinking for the station, I will paint the wood to protect from water (I suppose marine varnish is another option) but was wondering for counter and other surfaces, anyone identified a certain rubber or other product that can be cut to size that is useful? What I am trying to avoid it making a sharpening station that will not hold up due to water damage from the water stone use.

Thanks!