Mounting on old root stock

[LJHurn]

Hi, I have some fab old pieces of hardwood rootstock which I use for mounting. Some of these pieces have been varnished (about 15 years ago). I would like to use some of them for mounting material as they are absolutely stunning! My question is would the varnish damage my plants? I have tossed these pieces in the pool a week ago, they are still floating around there. What do you think, should I try one of my Catts on this?
Greetings, Louis.

[made4engineering]

The varnish is just plastic, so any trace amounts left after you sand it all off should not hurt the plant.

[LJHurn]

Thank you, I will get rid of as much of the varnish as I can and see what comes from it. Greetings, Louis

[kmarch]

Can you sand it off?

[LJHurn]

No! But what I will try is to get it off with a fitting to the electric drill. It is something like a whire brush that rotates. If this does not work I will test with mounting one on the old varnish, I really do not think that 15 year old varnish has a lot of active chemicals left that can damage the plant, It is worth a try, what do you think?

[made4engineering]

You realize the orchid will not attach itself to plastic right? For me, that would really defeat the purpose of mounting...

[LJHurn]

I did not realize that, but I will make sure that at least the section where the roots go will be as clean as possible, (with the electric sanding brush).

[solay]

Sounds interesting. Could you show us a picture once you have mounted it.

[LJHurn]

I have uploaded some pics under LJHurn under my orchid pics.
Greetings.

[LJHurn]

I have uploaded some on Orchid picture gallery. Sorry i've posted twice looks like!
Greetings