Need a finish that will take some heat

drl · Post by **drl** » Fri Dec 06, 2013 11:42 am

I am in the process of making a 3d tumbling block design trivet out of walnut, hard maple, and lyptus. I would like some type of finish to make the pieces "pop" but don't know what would happen to a finish when a hot pan, bowl or whatever is placed on it. Suggestions for a heat resistant finish.
Regards,
Dwight

holsgo · Post by **holsgo** » Fri Dec 06, 2013 11:54 am

I believe any film building finish will suffer a bad fate if you place a hot pan on it. Just like laminate countertops. Go with an oil or leave it natural, especially if you plan to wash it in the sink.

dgale · Post by **dgale** » Fri Dec 06, 2013 12:13 pm

I agree - I'd think an oil based finish would be your best bet but not sure that will fullfill your desire for "pop"

curiousgeorge · Post by **curiousgeorge** » Fri Dec 06, 2013 1:39 pm

Try some Watco Danish Oil on a test piece. I think that may give you what you want. It's easy to apply. Just wipe or brush on with no brush marks. It soaks in really deep, seals the wood and is easy to maintain, if needed, by simply wiping on another coat. There are several shades as well as a neutral color if you want to keep it natural.
Another really good choice might be wipe on poly for many of the same reasons.
I use both often because they are both pretty much idiot proof.

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Fri Dec 06, 2013 2:00 pm

Plain old mineral oil is another option.

dgale · Post by **dgale** » Fri Dec 06, 2013 2:40 pm

terrydowning wrote:Plain old mineral oil is another option.

Mineral oil is always my choice for cutting boards or anything else that will have direct food contact.

camerio · Post by **camerio** » Fri Dec 06, 2013 4:37 pm

Why mineral oil is also the best ...
It is the only oil that wont go rancid with time.

drl · Post by **drl** » Mon Dec 09, 2013 10:52 am

Thanks for all the replies. I will agree a film finish would not be the best choice so I think I'll go with mineral oil. Cheap, easy to obtain, touch-ups and refinishing would be easy. I'm still working at getting it together. A lot of pieces, joints and alignments. Thanks all for the input.
Regards,
Dwight

Jack Wilson · Post by **Jack Wilson** » Mon Dec 09, 2013 7:44 pm

Salad bowl finish should work well.

derekdarling · Post by **derekdarling** » Tue Dec 10, 2013 9:38 am

Consider using analyne dye to make the figure 'pop', then mineral oil over that.