[Woodcarver] Food Safe Finish

[Carol & Doug Rowe]

Hi Joe:
I make my own "Food Safe" finish simply by melting a quantity of paraffin then adding an equal quantity of polyethylene (do this over a double boiler or make sure your fire insurance is paid up).  Stir until he polystyrene dissolves. To use, I paint the molten mixture on he pre-warmed wood then "cook " the residue into the wood with a hair dryer (don't tell my wife) .  Of course keep the temperatures as low as possible after all we are handling wood or you could induce some severe cracking.  When cool, buff with a cloth and you will get a nice dull and waterproof sheen.

I measure my quantities with a small scale and usually shoot for equal weights but I have used down to 20 % polyethylene for a softer finish.




  I am carving the Oak Bowl found in the latest Woodcarving Illustrated.  Does anyone have a suggestion what to use as a food safe finish for the inside of the bowl?

  Thanks,
  Joe H
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