Suggestions on what to do with this ledge

elementz

Pictures are below.

This ledge is on a halfwall dividing my bar room and our family room. The ledge is pine I believe. I am looking to coat it with verathane but am unsure of what type/brand to use. I would like to keep the natural color of the wood itself. However, as the pictures show, there is some crackfill/mud that hardened on it and a glass stain.

What are the easiest ways to help remove the markings? Will the verathane help on that?

Thanks.

firehawkmph

Do you have an orbital sander or one you could borrow? The drywall mud will come off easily. The glass mark should come out with a light sanding. Sand the whole piece lightly, vacuum, and lastly use a tack rag to get up any remaining dust. Then go ahead with your finish. Just make sure you follow the directions on the can.
Mike Hawkins

Ron6519

As Hawk said, sanding will take care of the glass marks and the lousy nail fill application. The drywall mud will come off with a damp rag. The urethane will not cover up anything. If you see it before the application, you will see it after.
Ron

elementz

Any suggestions on a good Verathane?

Blondesense

Yes, maybe even it you don't see it. I re-finished a couple of old panel doors, stripping the old paint and applying a polyurethane. Found out the hard way that any trace of old paint or material left in the grain will show up.