They make coatings that are more in the family of "dip tool handles in this stuff"... but are often pitched as semi-permanent paint with removability. They can be peeled up with a bit of work.

Since it will all be under paint anyway, you could just make a similar piece out of particle board, who would know under the paint?

They make coatings that are more in the family of "dip tool handles in this stuff"... but are often pitched as semi-permanent paint with removability. They can be peeled up with a bit of work.

Since it will all be under paint anyway, you could make a similar piece out of ... not cherry? Who would know under the paint?