Now that I've scrolled it, how do I finish it off?

[Dawie]

I have now made a collapsible basket, but still need to finish it off. What is the best finish for it. I thought of some kind of oil, as I thought that varnish or laquare might stick the basket together as it is so sticky. Any ideas? Thanks for the help.
David

[scrollgirl]

Hi, Dawie:

My favorite finish of late is Mineral Oil and when dry a light coat of spray Shellac.  The mineral oil penetrates and brings out the grain beautifully, with no odor.  After several applications over several days, a light spray of Shellac will gently seal it.  I don't believe it needs a high durability seal, so the Shellac should be fine. 

Let us know what you decide.

Sheila   

[julief]

I use walnut oil, then a good waxing with butcherblock wax.

[Dawie]

Thank you for the info. The oils are familor, but the other finishes are not known to me, will see if anything I can get here(Netherlands) fits the bill.
David

[julief]

The walnut  oil is food safe, any food safe oil will do.  The butcherblock wax is usually available anywhere from the hardware store to the grocery store.  Butcherblock wax and salad bowl wax are often with the cleaning supplies and furniture polishes in the grocery store.  It is also considerably cheaper that buying it at the wood specialties stores.

[Dawie]

Thanks Julief, will have a look around the grocery store tomorrow when I go shopping.
David

[Russ C]

I agree. Any food safe oil and butcherblock wax on the bowl. 

[northie66]

When you oil something to be food safe, how do you clean the item?  Just curious.   

[dgman]

You never ever put any thing made of wood in the dishwasher! Wash with a mild soap and warm water, then dry. Never submerge in water!