Finishes for trivet and cooling racks

[Anthony Whitesell]

The title says most of it. I'm in need of a finish for some trivets and cooling racks I'm building. They are made of a variety of woods including quarter sawn white oak, mahogany, hard maple, and black walnut.

I believe that shellac is out. And I'm pretty sure lacquer is as well. What about varnish? Will poly or non-poly work? What about oil finishes (tung, BLO, mineral, salad bowl)?

[Prashun Patel]

If it were me, I'd use an oil finish.

[Jim Becker]

Fuhr International had at least one finish that was specifically engineered to be heat resistant, but I don't know if they still carry it.