My son and fiancee wedding "bench" project needs a finish before and after signing.

[dcw123]

I was been asked to build a bench for my sons wedding which they will ask the guests to sign at the reception after using the bench as a prop for the wedding photos.
I have crafted the bench from American Rock Maple, I would like to seal it before the wedding to protect it from dirty fingers etc. I am assuming that thick texta will be used to sigh the bench.
Question
1. What product should I use to seal the bench prior to signing, if at all?
2. What product should I use to finish the bench after signing with texta?

All and any assistance/suggestions much appreciated.

Regards dcw

[dcw123]

Hi

I spent the weekend testing and the best result would appear to be two coats of blond shellac, texta writing, then a diluted finish with any product that is a turps based cleanup, do not sand the first few coats of the finish as it rubs off the texta.

Regards dcw

I was been asked to build a bench for my sons wedding which they will ask the guests to sign at the reception after using the bench as a prop for the wedding photos.
I have crafted the bench from American Rock Maple, I would like to seal it before the wedding to protect it from dirty fingers etc. I am assuming that thick texta will be used to sigh the bench.
Question
1. What product should I use to seal the bench prior to signing, if at all?
2. What product should I use to finish the bench after signing with texta?

All and any assistance/suggestions much appreciated.

Regards dcw

[A Duke]

Thanks for passing that on seeing no one came to your rescue.
Welcome to the forum anyway, we are usually more helpful than that.
Regards