Coasters?

I made this coaster last night after watching a guy on one of those HGTV design shows use Polymer Coating to cover a photograph for an art piece.  It's basically like "liquid glass" and makes this really nice professional looking coating or finish.  The only problem is that it's pretty toxic!  The stuff I got didn't look to hazardous on the outside but when I read the instructions on the inside they told me to wear gloves and a mask.  I'm not a big fan of that kinda stuff.  I really like the end effect but didn't like the process at all.  I'm wondering if there's a safer, less toxic way to achieve the same results?

P.S.  Isn't creation amazing?  I did NOT edit that photo at all...it's a real tree trunk!?