what finishes do you like?

[tribalwind]

oils,spirits,waxes,pastes,etc?
looking to add a lil more luster to the bowls, kits projects,and flutes.
for the flutes and some bowls i'd like to use as natural a product as possible.food safe
durable. dont necesarily have to see my reflectio in everything!

thanks!
on another note.
i made a lil walnut dish type thingy last night but its at work,holding quarters for the coffee machine LOL.
ill take a pic tomorrow.

[Jim Boyd]

Depends what I'm making. I use lacquer or shellac mostly. CA glue for pens. I used some salad bowl finish on a couple of salad bowls that has held up suprisingly well for about 2 years now. I also always finish while the work is still mounted on the lathe. I hear tell that most finishes are food safe nowadays due to regs imposed by the government. At least thats what I remember from baby crib posts[:I]

[Mort]

Like Jim it depends
In the wood - a sheen - 100% tung oil hand rubbed 6 - 8 coats
On the wood - a shine - either Min Wax 2 coats, followed by Beall buff system
or Krylon Matte finish 2 light coats, light hand sanding with 800 grit followed by Beall buffing system - Norfolk Island Pine takes on an iridence.
With light colored wood - maple - I will use 1/4 pound cut of ultra blonde shellac as a sealler followed by 100% tung oil for an in the wood finish or Beall buffing system for an on the wood finish.

All of these are food safe as the carrier fluids flash off quickly.