Finish recommendation

[son_of_bluegras]

So I coopered a vessel. Details can be seen here.
http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?p=770087#post770087

Now I'm looking to put a finish on it and I know I've seen thread on this before but I can't seem to find them now.
I vessel is sized so as it could be a large drinking cup and I'd like to use it as such. I know modern finishes are considered food safe when fully cured so that is not my question. What I don't know is the resistance of various finishes to what I may drink from it (water, juice, hot coffee, beer) and how well they will stand up to various levels of abuse (getting dropped, tossed around, washing). I have on hand WB polyurethane, linseed oil (both boiled and raw) and beeswax.
One other thing. It isn't perfectly water tight so the finish will need to be able to fill tiny gaps (light is not visible anywhere, just a bit of water leaks out the bottom and at one spot between 2 staves).

Thanks for any advice.

ron

[ubeaut]

G'day Ron - Don't really want to touch this one but I would be inclined to use a 2 part epoxy. Will give you a water resistant finish that you can throw at the wall and not damage and should also fill the holes. Not particularly cheap... Well. Not here in Oz. May not be too bad over there in the good ol' USof A

For what you want there aren't really too many other options, apart from a full metal jacket.

Cheers - Neil :)

[son_of_bluegras]

I hadn't thought of 2 part epoxy, thought I do have some on hand. I generally try to avoid epoxies as I find they tend to stay tacky for a loong time and usually make a mess.
Most of my finishing is oil, wax or a mix of the two. I don't think that would hold up if I pour a hot beverage in.
As for the gaps, I don't really think there is enough room to put a filler in, it just dribbles a little water so I think the finish could take care of that.

If I wanted a metal one, I would have forged one.:U

THanks for the input

ron

[son_of_bluegras]

Neil

I've been thinking of what you said and doing some looking around. It sounds to me like you are really recommending I use this for something else and make another that is water tight. I may ultimatly decide to go that route.
Again thanks for the thoughts.

ron

ps I read somewhere else of 2 part causing problems. It kind of sounded like a long term exposure thing. Maybe I'll see if I can find what is used for plastic/acrylic drinking glasses.

[ubeaut]

G'day again Ron - Still think the 2 part epoxy would be the best. There shouldn't be any stickiness if mixed properly. After it's dry there is sometimes a thin film of sticky stuff left on the surface. This can be washed off with solvent and what's beneath should be like glass.

You probably need something like West System Epoxy (http://westsystem.com/) or maybe Rustins Clear Coat (http://www.rustins.co.uk/product.htm?chgprod=PCGL).

Cheers - Neil :U