I have a few Thuringian stones with labels on their backs that I always worry about getting wet when I hone with them. I was just wondering what you guys thought of maybe putting a layer of lacquer over the label to seal it to the stone and eliminate the chance that it could get damaged any further.

My usual procedure is to be conscious of how much water is on the stone, as well as where it might run over the edge, but I'm just scared that a few slip ups over my lifetime might do unnecessary damage to the labels.

Do you think it would devalue the stone to have the back lacquered? Be frowned upon? Be embraced?