[john70t]

I think it's a stupid idea and that wood should be garbage but ok whatever.

Cut to final fit.
Spray with disinfectant and leave outside to dry out as mentioned.
Many months of continuous hot sun....not a few days.

Get matte poly or whatever in a can and soak it down.
No it's not enough.
Front and back and sides.
Buy a few more cans.
How about a few more cases?
The budget on that crap wood is about $550.00 now.
Shucks go for broke and dip that soggy rotten remnants in a vat of hardener.

It will either stink of rotten mold or harsh chemicals for many years to come.

How sexy can that be?