marshalltjones Posted November 7, 2013 Report Share Posted November 7, 2013 I am going to attempt to turns a few bowls and I don't know what I should use for a finish. I have heard walnut oil, BLO, tung oil, mineral oil, etc. What do you guys use and why? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike M Posted November 7, 2013 Report Share Posted November 7, 2013 Depends on the intended use: Method 1 - I use a mix of shellac, BLO and DNA (equal parts) as a first coat then polish with steel wool (0000). I follow with a couple of coats of Myland Friction Polish and finish with a coat of wax. This all happens on the lathe and I do the inside first, then do the outside after I remove the tenon. This finish gives a nice satin shine that seems to hold up. It is also dries quickly so I can finish the bowl in one session. I use this finish for decorative bowls that won't be washed or come in contact with food. Method 2 - I finish these bowls off the lathe using Seal-A-Cell (General Finishes). I keep the surface wet for about 1/2 hour to allow the finish to penetrate. I then wipe off excess with paper towels and let dry a couple of days. A rub with steel wool (0000) and a coat of wax finishes the job. This finish is more of a matte finish, but it is also more durable. This finish is food safe once the finish has cured (weeks) and can be washed and dried but not soaked. I prefer this for situations where dry food comes in contact with the bowl (nuts, crackers, solid fruit, etc.) Method 3 - I finish the insides of salad bowls and bowls that will be in contact with wet food using a couple of coats of walnut oil to insure a food safe finish. I do the outsides of the bowls with #2. This finish will require periodic refreshing with walnut oil. I have tried several other finishes such as BLO, wiping varnish, Danish Oil, etc. but have settled on the above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miles11we Posted November 10, 2013 Report Share Posted November 10, 2013 Depends but i often use walnut oil, paste wax and mineral oil mixed (whicha also works well for wet sanding (sometimes it cloggs up the sandpaper-add more mineral oil)) I rarely use film finishes (just my preference) but when i do i use shellac. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miles11we Posted November 10, 2013 Report Share Posted November 10, 2013 Oh and as for why, i like how those finishes look and i like the textures they produce. Plus they are relatively cheap... I have been wanting to play with film finishes but i am stubborn and am stuck in my ways. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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