Bowl Finish

[Jack Giovo]

I have been experimenting on outside finish for my bowls -I use kiln dried cherry with either Bush Oil from my local hardwood provider or walnut oil. Then I sand t a 400 grit finish. I have been applying salad bowl finish to the inside and lacquer to the outside - but am afraid that the lacquer will not hold up to dishwasher cleaning - what is a good substitute.

[Steve Schoene]

I doubt any of the finishes you have been using--a pure semi-drying oil (walnut oil) or an ordinary oil/varnish mixture or nitrocellulose lacquer will be dishwasher safe. Wood just isn't well suited for the heat of dishwashers. Salad bowls are traditionally not washed just wiped down with an occasional light rinse. Mineral oil is often recommended to seal the surface.

the way, there is nothing special about salad bowl finish its just as non-toxic as other clear wood finishes.