Wood stabilization

[Imakethings]

After a bit of looking about on the internet and discussion and investigation with members of the chemistry club and staff at the college I think I might have found something cheaper than the stuff used currently.

My investigation drove me to start looking at thermosetting plastics and resins, it turns out that they are a hell of a lot more common than I initially expected.
Polyester resin (aka fiberglass resin)
Vinyl Ester resin (used for same as above, but better strength characteristics)

Both are thermosetting resins, but here's something I'm really happy about. You can use styrene based thinner to thin out either one without sacrificing any strength (unlike using acetone as a thinner).

So, before I go off and test this further (I had polyester resin on hand anyway so I tried it last night, good results), has anyone tried using something other than one of the commercial goos and if so what were your results?