: The other technique is to treat the cocob9lo like teak and wipe it off with
: acetone before applying a finish to remove the oils, even this is
: problematic. I like to use shellac or laquer on top as it is faster drying
: and seems to aviod the oil problem. Unless you are using this as a high
: use surface with alcohol, it should work fine.

You might be able to use the shellac as a sealer. Wash the wood with acetone to reduce the oil on the surface then apply a number of thin coats of blonde de-waxed shellac. Let it dry then apply the varnish or other top coat. Check out the most recent (?) Fine Woodworking where they discuss using various sealer coats.

coop