Have some nicely grained Elm with the bark and I wish to retain the bark in the finished product. What's best to seal and harden this without colouration please?
On Turnings I treat any suspect adhesion area with CA glue to strengthen bond.
I then soak in Cellulose sanding Sealer.
Then Buff Bark Surface with a Bristle Brush and Microcrystalline Wax.
I like that approach. Mines similar in that I also strengthen with CA and soak in sealer but I then blow the nooks and crannies of the bark with an air gun (before and after treating) to dislodge any wayward bits.