I know I already suggested Alcohol before, but let me re-suggest it. You could make a great tack cloth by wetting one of those "Rag in a box" or other paper rags with some alcohol. Wring it out until it's only moist with alcohol (don't use water) and wipe down the wood. This should help remove the oils from your fingers that got on the wood during handling.

Is it possible that fish eyes could develope from oil off of your fingers? I'm speaking from logic, not experience here, so don't think that it is necessary because I said so. But the more I think about it, the more I conclude that I will do it this way when the time comes.

> Since you are trying to avoid getting moisture trapped in the wood, under
> the epoxy resin, it would not be a great idea to soak the wood before
> epoxy coating it.
> A solvent is not really necessary. Just wipe the sawdust off with a clean,
> dry, rag and apply the epoxy.