Epoxy resin.

[ip485]

PS - as a small tip, this is a remarkable product for finishing wood - for example table tops etc. It takes an age and is a pitta to build up varnish layers to make a beautiful cockpit or saloon table, but can be done in one pour with epoxy. I find it gives a very resilient finish (better than varnish). If it is outside it is worth applying a couple of coats of sprayed varnish for UV resistance. Inside I havent seen any need to do so on my saloon table which is now around 5 years old. Woodsealing the surface first is vital otherwise you will end up with an array of pin head depressions as the wood unevently absorbs the resin during the curing process, but this can be wet sanded back and poored over. It use surprisngly lettle resin as of course you are only aiming for 1mm or something like this of surface coat. (should know how to spell pour).

 

[dankilb]

PS - as a small tip, this is a remarkable product for finishing wood - for example table tops etc. It takes an age and is a pitta to build up varnish layers to make a beautiful cockpit or saloon table, but can be done in one poor with epoxy. I find it gives a very resilient finish (better than varnish). If it is outside it is worth applying a couple of coats of sprayed varnish for UV resistance. Inside I havent seen any need to do so on my saloon table which is now around 5 years old. Woodsealing the surface first is vital otherwise you will end up with an array of pin head depressions as the wood unevently absorbs the resin during the curing process, but this can be wet sanded back and poored over. It use surprisngly lettle resin as of course you are only aiming for 1mm or something like this of surface coat.

Our saloon table is knackered (veneer lifting etc.)... I’m planning to make a new one from ‘block’ worktop and have a large compass rose CNC’d in the top, which I want to fill with tinted casting resin. Call it cheesy (and unnecessary!) but I think it could look great - especially with a nice layer of epoxy over the entire top at the end to give a mirror finish!

 

[ip485]

This is mine. Not a very good photo and sorry about the bread!. The veneer is laser cut and was inserted into the teak and then the whole table clear coated and machine polished.

I think your idea is great and will look truly wonderful. Getting the table absoultely flat especially to insert the marquetry is absolutely key.