ladder restoration
 

I have recently found a wooden ladder in our barn and wish to use it for displaying quilts. After cleaning it up, should I put a layer of varnish/sealer, or what? What do you suggest and how many layers should I put on the rungs? Thanks.

i myself would not varnish it. i would sand it very good and then put sealer on
sand again and put on second coat of sealer.

You definitely don't want your quilts stored against unfinished wood. I would either paint it or use 2 coats of water-based urethane.

i would use water based uretane, use a sponge brush to prevent bubbles

Definitely finish it. Although raw unfinished wood looks amazing with quilts on it, it can really damage them. You can always use matte sealant or water based polyurethane. My husband and I make tabletops from time to time and we use matte when we do not want to distract from the wood grain at design. Good luck!

Glad you ask this question. I have a step-ladder that I have saved of my parents and the wooden ironing board that my DM had as her first. The ironing board and ladder were still in use until recent years!! I Have to keep them and find a way to preserve.

My Mother has an old wooden ironing board - what a great idea to use it to display a quilt - love the idea.

I just bet it will be gorgeous when you are done with it.

Definitely sand the rungs so they don't catch and snag your fabric. Other than that, I have no experience, but do know not to leave it hanging on unfinished rungs.

I have one ladder that I use for displaying a couple quilts - I place a piece of pipe wrap (like a noodle but is split to
go around pipe) around each rung. I also do this for hanging quilts on a hanger to transport.