How to finish Yellow Poplar?

Question

Hello,I made a bowl out of yellow poplar and am trying to figure out the bestway to finish it. This is the first woodworking I've done since I tookwoodshop in jr high almost twenty years ago, so the more detail you canprovide, the better.I like the way the bowl looks now so I wonder if there is a durable,easy to apply finish that won't alter the appearance of the naturalwood. I was thinking of using tung oil at first because I thought thatwould be the easiest thing to apply, but after reading a bit I'mthinking it might not be the best choice. Even though this is no workof art, I'd like to finish it off right. I'm looking for somethingwater resistant and food safe that is not too much work to apply.Any advice on what works/doesn't work with yellow poplar would begreatly appreciated.

Greg G · Accepted Answer

Mineral oil.Apply until the wood will not absorb any more.Buff it out.FWIW,Greg G.

George · Answer

Then watch as it picks up any dirt from the fingers that handle it, bleeds oil when set in the sunlight, and catches dust on the oily surface.

Or, use a standard wood finish if you're going to have the bowl for dry use, a curing oil like tung or walnut without resins, or lacquer.

Don't use surface finishes if you're going to use it for hot popcorn. The Old Maids will make blisters.

Toller · Answer

Water based varnishes are about the least altering finish.Personally I like what oil based varnishes do to the appearance, but since you don't...Tung oil won't give you much water resistance.

Dave Balderstone · Answer

Walnut oil. It will cure, and won't change the appearance of the woodtoo much.djb

Ba r r y · Answer

I always like latex paint on poplar.  Barry

How to finish Yellow Poplar?

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