CARE OF WOODEN BOWLS
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Whether decorative or utilitarian, a Hounds Bay bowl will give you many years of use and enjoyment. To ensure your bowl’s health, here is some information to help you.
Woodworkers have a million different opinions on which are the best finishes for wood.
My two cents' worth:
- I use Millie's All Purpose Penetrating Tung Oil that I purchase from Sutherland Welles in Hyde Park, Vermont. This is a food-safe finish that penetrates the wood and dries hard. Visit their website: www.sutherlandwelles.com or email them:
sales@tungoilfinish.com - A beautiful patina or sheen will appear as the bowl ages and is used. Linseed oil, which is also recommended by many turners, will darken as it ages and is not as durable. Tung oil is harder to find and more expensive but in my opinion well worth it.
- Finishes such as varnish, shellac and lacquer create a film on the wood and do not penetrate the wood. These products will create a higher gloss finish.
- Other oils from nuts or food grade mineral oil will work but will not dry, leaving a less durable surface. Great for cutting boards and as a quick solution for a dry looking bowl.
- Vegetable oil may turn rancid.
- Follow the instructions for application of whatever finish you choose.
Cleaning your bowl:
- Wash after each use with mild soapy water. Rinse and dry immediately. Do not leave standing in water. Do not put bowl in dishwasher or microwave oven.
- Decorative bowls need less care but occasionally rubbing on an appropriate oil will enhance its sheen.
- Bowls with a live edge (bark still attached) or bark intrusions must be handled with a little more care. The bark has been saturated and secured with C/A glue (super glue) but if dropped a piece of the bark may fall off. It can be glued back on.
- If you have any other questions concerning your wooden bowl give me a call.