Shopsmith Forums

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

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.

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

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.

Plain old mineral oil is another option.

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.

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

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

Salad bowl finish should work well.

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