Tip #42
Finishing Touches
Part 2 of 6 - Applying an Oil Finish (continued)
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Non-Toxic Oil Finishes

None of the finishes mentioned thus far will resist a constant soaking exposure to water (with the possible exception of Tung Oil) and all of them are toxic. Danish Oil will harden to a non-toxic finish, but only after 30 days or so. If you're finishing eating utensils or children's toys, use either Mineral Oil or a commercial Salad Bowl Finish.

Mineral Oil is applied much as Danish Oil. If a project will be used to hold liquids (such as a wooden bowl), fill the bowl with oil and let it soak for 15-30 minutes, then allow the project to dry for at least 48 hours before using it. It's important to note that Mineral Oil finishes also require periodic upkeep by rubbing them down with salt every once in a while. They're also not completely waterproof, and juices from meats and vegetables will soak into the wood. The periodic salt rub-downs will keep the project from going rancid. Commercial Salad Bowl Finishes provide superior protection against moisture and going rancid with far less upkeep. Applied much like Tung Oil, they can be used as both a penetrating finish -- and a building finish with the application of multiple coats. Another example of an acceptable non-toxic finish is called Preserve. NOTE: Even non-toxic finishes are toxic when in a liquid state and should be allowed to dry completely for at least 72 hours prior to use.

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