PDA

View Full Version : Finish that's safe for really warm or slightly hot food?


Tim Browne
04-05-2012, 8:56 AM
I'm working on a project for my daughter and don't know how to finish it. It's a turning designed to hold a tea bag after steeping. The bag will be really warm, 150 to 180 degrees or so with liquid coming out. Sometimes the bag could get reused so it has to remain food safe.
I know all finishes are supposed to be food safe once cured but I wasn't sure if heat affected that. Should I use a clear epoxy? Cyanoacrylate? Walnut oil? Whatever is used would have to harden due to the puddle of tea that will form (and need to be cleaned with warm water and mild soap).
Peter Fabricius
04-05-2012, 9:20 AM
Hi Tim;
Liquids are usually not recommended for wood products... Why not try a glass or SS insert in your creation and then there is no issue with liquids either hot or cold.
Just a thought.
Peter F.
Jamie Donaldson
04-05-2012, 1:30 PM
Tim- the best finish here would be no finish at all!
Barry Elder
04-05-2012, 1:56 PM
Agree with Jamie, or use aluminum foil inserts.
Scott Lux
04-05-2012, 2:25 PM
+1 on no finish.
curtis rosche
04-05-2012, 2:46 PM
waterlox is supposed to be food safe once fully cured.

use bees wax?

use sassafrass wood and it will be aromatic ( i think) and its food safe wood
Walter Mooney
04-06-2012, 1:26 PM
Tim,

What about making it out of Corian or one of the comparable products? No finish would be needed. Just glue up some pieces, flat, face-to-face, then turn and sand to 600 or so. If you want some Corian, and aren't completely set on the color, send me a pm and I'll send you some............

Walter
Jim Burr
04-06-2012, 2:08 PM
Maybe a tealight glass insert...they can be up to 2" tall
Tim Browne
04-07-2012, 9:56 AM
Tim,

What about making it out of Corian or one of the comparable products? No finish would be needed. Just glue up some pieces, flat, face-to-face, then turn and sand to 600 or so. If you want some Corian, and aren't completely set on the color, send me a pm and I'll send you some............

Walter

Thanks for the offer but I've already turned it out of bubinga which is what she wanted. I may have to look for an insert as the tannins in tea would cause a color shift in raw wood. I also think other chemicals in the tea's would cause a problem with rancidity after a while.