trivet finish?

[greitz]

I told my wife about the trivet video, and she came up with a good question. What kind of finish do you use on a trivet which will stand up to pots or casserole dishes at 350 - 400 degrees F or so? Will it discolor or melt onto the pot? Or is it best to leave the trivet unfinished?

Thanks for the advice!

Gary

[Nick]

I made a bunch of these trivets abotu fifteen years ago and find they are more often dicolored by food spills than they are heat. Tung oil, Danish oil, linseed oil, mineral oil, salad bowl dressing -- any penetrating finish would work well enough. I'd avoid building finishes like varnish, poly-u, and shellac because they would go thermoplastic in the presence of the heat and stick to the serving dishes.

With all good wishes,

[greitz]

Thanks, Nick! And thanks for the videos, they're immensely inspiring (especially to my wife, who often says "Ooh, that's neat! Can you make me one?")

Gary