finishing trivets

[bubbantenn]

Since trivets may have hot pans, etc, set on them, what finish would be appropriate? I haven't used any so far, thinking that the wood would just naturally darken over time with use. I've ruled out any type of polyurethane or varnish but was thinking that a nice stain might work? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
Oh...what about mineral oil??

Bubba

[pmac53]

Hi Bubba. I don't have a good answer, so I left mine natural. I did oil them and let them dry good before use.

[marshall]

Bubba how's it going - long time no talk - wish I could help you more but it sounds like you have your act together already ...............Marshall

[Bill Wilson]

Sustained contact with a high heat source is pretty much the bane of any consumer grade finish I can think of. Some might be better than others, but all would be susceptible to damage. I would go with a simple oil finish and be done. Mineral oil or boiled linseed oil will darken the wood somewhat, especially woods that are already dark like walnut, mahogany or cherry, but neither will offer any significant amount of protection.

[wood-n-things]

I've tried a poly finish and urethane. They both scratch and the poly actually turned white from the heat. I know others have used poly with success but not me. I just use watco danish oil now with a mineral spirit mix 50/50.

[Bill Wilson]

Here's a chart I found that may provide some helpful information on some of the relative qualities of various finishes.

Common finish products compared

[lwsjc]

Thanks Bill

Larry

[bubbantenn]

Thanks everyone. I am going to try mineral oil just to seal the wood. If it darkens, it darkens.

Bubba

[oily]

I've had pretty good luck with krylon clear acrylic. Shellac is a definite no-no

[bubbantenn]

Thanks Oily. I kinda figured shellac or varnish would not work.

Bubba

[Kepy]

I soak mine in mineral oil, then let them drip dry. After dry, buff with a brown paper grocery bag. This will darken the wood some but not excessively.

[keystonecop]

I use General Finishes Original Seal-A-Cell Clear Wipe-on Formula. (The Watco smell lasts to long for me)

I do NOT wipe it on, I give all of my cuts a one minute bath in it, then left on newspaper for about 10 minutes, next I dry them with air compressor and shop paper towels. I then let them air dry for about a week they are ready for the next step.

For trivets that's all they get.

For the rest of my work they get 2 coats of Deft semi-gloss, and then a sanding with 320 and one final coat of deft followed by a rubbing on a brown paper bag.

[sawdustus]

I have used Minwax gloss poly for mine and have not had any problems with heat or water damage. Yes, if you put a hot iron on it it will damage it but most pots or dishes are not that hot.

The other thing I do with my trivets is to put some feet on the bottom so that the heat can dissipate faster.

george

[susieq4131]

I've had pretty good luck with krylon clear acrylic. Shellac is a definite no-no

That's a good idea. I haven't tried that on my trivets.

SQ