What type of finish to use on wooden plates?

Question

I am beginning to dabble in pyrography (wood burning). I was wondering if anyone knows what type of finish I can put on the plates when they are done. I need to use something that is nontoxic for eating off of but also will protect the plate and the design for the long run. I appreciate any help with this. Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Why not start with plates that will be used as wall hangings? Then you can use oil or varnish without worrying about whether it is toxic or whether it will peel off and expose the wood or come off if you put the plates in a dishwasher or a microwave.. By the time you get really experienced with the craft you will have bumped into enough fellow craftsmen that you will know what they have used successfully.

Answer 2

Check out a good woodworking website. There are oils, olive oil, linseed oil, etc...but these will get gummy eventually. There is a product advertised for wooden salad bowls..salad bowl oil...It is an edible oil that is lighter than linseed or olive oil but will seal pourous wood. 'Course, always hand wash wood and NEVER put in the dishwasher.

Answer 3

Anytime you want to preserve wood for use with food your best bet is linseed oil. This is used on cutting boards to preserve them. This will soak in and and give it a natural look (darker of course). But you will have to re-apply it every so often to keep its preservation ability.
You do not want to use Polyurethane or Varnishes, because they can crack and peel with use of utensils on it. Which would not be good to get a bite of food with a flake of that to try and digest.

Answer 4

Butcher blocks are treated with mineral oil. It is a common, harmless oil available in drug stores. It is sometimes prescribed by physicians. It will have to be reapplied, but is 100% safe.

Answer 5

Polyurethane varnish?

Answer 6

an oil by terra nova called naturoil , its no toxic and food safe

Answer 7

I believe what you would want to use is linseed oil.