I’ve been making some small wood projects like spatulas and tool handles, and I’m trying to figure out which finish holds up best with regular handling and washing. I’ve only tried mineral oil so far, but it seems to wear off pretty fast. For those of you with more experience, do you prefer something like a hardwax oil or a wipe-on poly for pieces that get a lot of use? I’d really appreciate hearing what’s worked well for you.
I don’t have a lot to recommend. Anything used with food needs to be food-safe. Everything I know of is either oil or wax-based, and will wash or wear off.
We use mineral oil for the cutting board class, and tell people it needs to be renewed periodically. There are board finishing oils available, but the bottle I saw said the ingredients were mineral oil and vitamin E. I didn’t know trees took vitamins, but ok. Plus they cost 4-5x what ordinary mineral oil will cost. There are waxes as well, and I have some at the space. I’ll look at it and post it here when I’m in next.
I will also add that soaking wood utensils in general will remove the oil faster, and dishwashers are even worse. Hand washing is better for wood utensils.
Tony Kuhlman
Wood shop area mgr