Replies

1. 
   DanH | Dec 25, 2012 10:52pm | #1

   Urethane varnish is pretty inert, and is available in various degrees of gloss, so it would likely be my first choice.  You might consider using a food-safe oil, such as linseed oil, but it's hard to predict how it would interact with your stain.  (Is the stain oil or water-based?)  Don't use tung oil, as it's toxic.

2. 
   calvin | Dec 26, 2012 06:04am | #2

   David

   http://www.finewoodworking.com/how-to/article/food-safe-finishes.aspx

1. 
   netrate | Dec 26, 2012 11:18am | #3

   It is Minwax Gel Stain and it says to use Paint Thinner or Mineral Oil to remove, so I am guessing it is oil based?

   AND thank you for the link to Food safe products - but the question is : can I use these immediately over the stain or do you use them after the urethane coat?

1. 
   netrate | Dec 30, 2012 02:56pm | #4

   Hey since I have already stained this bowl, am I still going to be able to finish it with an oil of some sort?

1. 
   calvin | Dec 30, 2012 03:50pm | #5

   I don't see why not.

   The stain is dry, should accept most any sealer of oil or water base.

   BUT

   figure what you're going to use and read the label.

1. 
   netrate | Dec 30, 2012 11:28pm | #6

   I was wondering because isn't mineral oil considered a solvent?  Won't it just strip the stain?

2. 
   calvin | Dec 31, 2012 07:51am | #7

   Not to my knowledge.

   It either is absorbed into the unsealed wood or sits on top till it dries out.  Too much oil and it'll be one sticky mess.

   To get back to urethane-once it's dry it should be food safe.  Again, read the label for any cautions.

   Here's another idea-always like to confuse.............

   There's a finish made for butcher blocks.  Usually meant for bare or raw wood or as a spruce up for already finished butcher block tops, cutting boards etc.  However, it will dry, protect and most likely work over that stained finish.

   It's certainly food safe (unless you find some bogus chinese brand) .

   You may have to reapply if you constantly wipe / clean (not in a sink or dishwasher) this bowl of yours.

3. 
   sapwood | Dec 31, 2012 12:54pm | #8

   The stain is coloring the wood because of minute pigment deposited onto/into the wood surface. Without a surface finish the stain is vulnerable to being rubbed off. Take a damp rag to your stained wood to prove this to yourself. Mineral oil is virtually worthless as a protective film. To prove this, take some on a rag and wipe the surface of the stained wood. The rag will pick up some of the stain. 

   You need a protective finish. I would first give your bowl a coat of shellac to seal the surface. Zinser makes a product called Seal Coat. Don't buy their shellac finish because that contains wax which will preclude any other finish being put over it. The shellac will give a glossy sheen... something that you probably don't want. So, topcoat over the shellac with a varnish (poly or otherwise), or any other finish of your choice. A wipe on type finish will produce great results with a low learning curve. Any finish that you can purchase in the store will be food safe within a month of drying. Don't try to use any sort of "penetrating oil" over the top of the shellac because the shellac won't let it penetrate. 

   Next time, look into using wood dye instead of stain. Dyes usually will produce a better appearance... less muddy, clearer color. They let the wood figure show more naturally.