I inherited two old pine tables originally in a train hotel in Algonquin Park, Ontario. They are made from split pine logs so the legs have the bark on them. The tops are varnished and the legs of one are coated, probably varnish also. On the other table, the legs were not coated and with dogs and people's feet, the bark is becoming damaged around the edges and in places peeling off. I would like to coat it with something to keep it on: varnish, shellac, other?
Answer:
Your best bet would probably be to use shellac and several coats of it. Leave between 6 and 12 hours between applications.
