Finish in cold weather

The cold temps will slow the curing hugely, but it won’t harm anything. If you have a day or 2 of curing before leaving, you’re good to go. It will likely smell some after warming back up.

-- Our village hasn't lost it's idiot, he was elected to congress.

As long as the finish is dry to the touch and not tacky, you should be okay.

-- Bondo Gaposis

Once your mil has it, tell her to just let it sit in the house for another 3 weeks before using it to let the ars fully cure.

You’ll probably need ventilation in the car. Be prepared to crack your windows and crank up the heat. Do NOT let yourselves get woozy on the road.

it will be below freezing for the 8 hour drive.

indicates that the table will be outside the car in some fashion ?
I would not carry it IN the car for the aroma of outgassing could be an issue.
I agree with the above, dry to the touch and no paper or other wrapping actually
wrapped tight to the table – I would do it.
it will finish curing after you get it into a warmer climate.

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-- there is no educational alternative to having a front row seat in the School of Hard Knocks. --

Would not expect much smell from Arm-r seal after 2 days drying. Certainly the solvent is gone
Do be careful wrapping it, as the soft finish can still be “imprinted” with the texture of the blanket, or strap where it gets compressed.

You should be fine

-- “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” Mark Twain