Alternative to oil wanted!

[Robson Valley]

Go to the chemists aka the drug store. There is a pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil.
There's a statement on the label of the bottle that I bought for wood finishing which
says that it's a "mild laxative."
Nonetheless, mineral oil and beeswax goop would be just fine on birch.
I'd still heat it to get a penetrating finish, particularly if it will be wet in service.

 

[lannyman8]

mineral oil is food safe we use it to seal our chopping boards with no effects........



all good...

 

[Andy_K]

Hamster, listen mate and listen carefully....

The operative words I read on your original post were "Mother In Law" and "Peace Offering".

As such, there is only one coating / finish to consider and that's thick eggshell foam as she will likely be walloping you with the thing come Boxing Day, anyway!!

Seriously though, my personal preference would have to be something which will not only resist the acids within fruit, but also be easy to clean any stick juices which may leak and "dry out" on the surface. Knowing how much I like shiny and glossy finishes when it comes to a nice piece of wood, I would likely opt for a clear yachting varnish, with several coats and a base layer or two to start with. But that's just me and what I like. If the M.I.L. likes whatever else, then try and run with that. Especially if trying to seek peace talks with the enemy

 

[Teepee]

The most natural finish possible will come from a water based matt varnish, preferably a dead flat type. Practically invisible.

If you want to see what an oil based varnish will look like re. it's darkening, you can wipe white spirit over the bowl with a rag. Don't worry, it won't harm it. This will darken it but will evaporate again completely.

Personally, I'd use what I generally use on my clients kitchen woodwork professionally and that's food safe and alcohol resisting Liberon finishing oil. Brushed on, then ragged off, or a Polyvine flat varnish, de-nibbed between coats and brushed on for as close to invisible as possible.

FWIW, all tung oils aren't equal. I find Rustins tung oil v good-its a reasonably natural finish with a high amount tung oil. Some of the other brands are just thinned varnish as regulations stipulate it doesn't have to contain much tung oil at all.

 

[asemery]

A discussion of the alternatives can be found here
http://www.arbutusarts.com/food-safe-wood-finish.html