Food safe stain. Thats because many finishes contain toxic drying agents not to mention that many people are sensitive to chemicals. Apply a layer of tung oil to seal the stained butcher block. Let dry for 15 minutes and apply an additional coat. Shellac is a safe food safe wood stain made from a resin secreted from the female lac bug and ethanol.
Learning how to use food safe finishes is a must for woodworkers whether youre creating a dining table a cutting board or even just a decorative object. You can stain wood without the use of harsh or toxic chemicals and instead apply natural looking food safe finishes using food based products that are safe for people and the environment. When using an oil finish apply a generous amount to a cloth and spread until the surface is covered. Sand the item with 320 grit sandpaper until smooth and fully remove dust.
Amazons choice for food grade wood stain tried and true wood stain 100 solvent free zero voc and safe for food and skin contact pint dark walnut 36 out of 5 stars 50. If kitchenware is bought as or carved from unfinished wood applying a food safe finish is a simple process. There are some existing commercially available food safe dye stains but i really wanted some crazy bright colors. Kitchen utensils bowls spoons platters etc raw meat prep surfaces cutting boards butcher blocks etc.
Any commercial finish is safe once it has dried and cured. Shellac brings out the rich warmth of wood grain making surfaces look soft and natural instead of plastic. Colored wood stains like analine dyes provide the bright color i want but are definitely not food safe. Heres a look at the most common concerns.
Plus the nitty gritty reality of food grade finishes and why you may not need to be so concerned. Use common household items like tea and coffee to create a traditional stained look. How to stain butcher block. After scores of conversations with chemists regulatory agencies finish manufacturers finishing experts and woodworkers i found that there are a few finishes that everyone agrees are food safe.
Butcher block is a popular type of wooden kitchen counter. But first here are the 4 main project types you should consider using a food safe wood finish on. Which finishes are safe for childrens toys or projects that come in contact with food. Both products are food safe.
You can use any finish thats appropriate to your project including varnish lacquer shellac and boiled linseed oil.