
Our elementary school had a sale to get rid of some old furniture and athletic equipment. I purchased twenty oak school chairs that were rather distressed, but a real bargain at two dollars apiece. I've sanded some of them, illustrated either the image of a cowboy on horseback or a fairy onto the seat using color pencil along with an inscription on the back of the chair. This particular one that I'm currently working on will be a gift for a coworker of my husband's who is expecting a baby. In the past I have used oil based polyurethane to protect the art on the chair, but I am a little worried about the colors becoming "muddy" or washed out. Does anyone who may have used pencils on wood have any ideas? Your suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you!