What finish should I use on a salt cellar?

[bmuir1616]

I am turning a lidded salt cellar out of hard maple. Because salt will be used in the item, what finish would be best?
Thanks,
Bill

[Bill in Buena Park]

I found this and another on Etsy - looks like food-grade oil (e.g. walnut) finish would work.

Not sure why shellac wouldn't work. I can't find anything that indicates degradation of shellac from contact with salt.

[greenacres2]

I have virtually no knowledge of finishes (i need to finish a project to get to that point), but just wondering if Marine Varnish might work? Seems like finishes for salt water contact would have no problem with table salt...so long as they are food safe.

Just guessing.

ealr

[Lonnie in Orlando]

I made ten "chef's" salt cellars (pinch of salt when cooking) for Christmas presents a few years ago. I used shellac inside and out. It's held up well. No aroma when dry. Oil based finishes will impart a flavor to the salt.

I also stuck small clear bumpers on the bottoms to prevent damp surfaces from damaging the box or the finish.

- Lonnie