advice needed for head stone finish

[rocabig]

A freind of mine has asked me to carve them a headstone for a grave and we were wondering what sort of finish would be best? it will be exposed to sun rain ect.

any help apreciated
Richard

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

Errrm... what material?

There's good reason gravestones are traditionally granite or marble: polished stone weathers a helluva lot better than any man-made finish.

[rocabig]

Sorry forgot that.

Timber
spelling may be wrong but it is Queela

Richard

[johnc]

I wouldn't worry to much about the finish timber has a short life in a cemetery. Have you considered a small bronze plaque, if its for a permanent marker. If not I'd just use white paint with black letters and leave it at that, the base will rot out before the paint gives up.

[MathewA]

There is no finish for wood that will stand up the ravages of the weather and sun. All that are available now need to be re-applied fairly often. If you find one you'll become a very rich person.