Finish for a garden sign

[Dakota Sage]

I've been asked to make a memorial sign for a garden for a family friend that just passed away, so , of course I want it to be the best I can do. I have been using tung oil to finish most of my signs and plaques because of some really nasty experiences with other finishes. I know this will not do for an outdoor sign. I am so afraid that I will spend countless hours on this sign and then take a mis step with the finish.

Could someone please instruct me as to what to use and how not to "blow it"? While I can see positive growth in other areas , this remains my proverbial "Achilles heel".

It's going to be woodburned on a basswood round and I will color it with oil pencil. If I were to use a stain, it would likely be something light like a honey pine. I may do some light chipping . What they have requested is text to read, "Ernie Pyle Memorial Tomato Patch" with something in the center. That something in the center, I decided , would be a background of a tomato plant and more to the front, a small heart shaped tomato in two cupped hands. If I decide to do any carving, it would likely be the background tomato plant.

Thanks so much for whatever help you can lend.

Debbie