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When making cutting boards, utensils, bowls, or any project that will come into contact with food, choosing the right finish is important. A good, food-safe finish does more than enhance the appearance of the wood, it protects the wood from moisture, stains, and bacteria. Here are a few food-safe finishing options to enhance your next project: 1. Mineral Oil Mineral oil is a popular choice for its price and ease of use. It can be found in most pharmacies. This is non-toxic and odorless and will penetrate deeply into the wood, enhancing its natural grain while providing a protective barrier. Regular reapplication is necessary to maintain the finish, especially for cutting boards and butcher blocks. When it starts looking dull, add another coat or two until it no longer accepts any more mineral oil. 2. Beeswax Beeswax is often used in combination with mineral oil to create a soft, food-safe finish. It provides a natural sheen and a bit more durability than oil alone. You can even make your own blend by carefully melting 1 part beeswax into 4 parts mineral oil. Once it cools for a DIY wood conditioner. 3. Walnut Oil Walnut oil is a natural option known for its ability to harden over time. However, it’s worth noting that some people have nut allergies, so this finish might not be suitable for all applications. So make sure whoever the recipient is, does not have a nut allergy. It probably isn’t suitable for baby or children’s toys, either, for the same reason. 4. Tung Oil Pure tung oil is derived from the seeds of the tung tree and is a durable food-safe finish once it has fully cured. However, it may take several days to fully cure. But it will create a long-lasting natural finish. Apply a thin and even coat, then remove any excess. Let the oil cure for 24-48 hours before adding another coat. Appling 3-4 layers will give your project a nice protection and sheen. 5. Shellac Shellac is a natural resin secreted by the lac bug. It may sound gross, but this traditional finish has been used for over 3,000 years and is often applied in fine woodworking projects because it enhances the wood grain and provides a glossy and durable finish. It is particularly useful for decorative items like bowls and serving trays. Shellac resin is dissolved in alcohol and can either be sprayed or brushed on with several thin coats. 6. Carnauba Wax Carnauba wax is derived from palm leaves and is a hard, durable wax that’s often used in conjunction with other finishes. It creates a high-gloss, water-resistant surface, which is ideal for utensils and other projects that come in contact with food. To apply, warm the carnauba wax before rubbing it into the surface. You can use a double boiler to gently melt the wax. Then apply the melted or softened wax to your project with a paper towel. Once it cools, you can buff the wax with a clean rag to a nice sheen. 7. Butcher Block Conditioner I like using an off-the-shelf solution such as Butcher Block Conditioner. You can find this at most home improvement stores, or here online. This formula is nothing more than a blend of mineral oil, bees wax, and carnauba wax. But, I like the convenience of having it ready to apply to my project. I simply apply a liberal amount to my project and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then I wipe the excess off with a clean paper towel and buff it to a nice sheen. When my project starts looking dull or dry, I apply another coat. Tips for Applying Food-Safe Finishes Clean Thoroughly: Ensure the wood is clean and sanded smooth before applying any finish. Apply Thin Coats: Build up the finish gradually to avoid uneven application. Let It Cure: Allow adequate time for curing, especially for finishes like tung oil or shellac, to ensure they are safe for contact with food. Re-apply As Needed: Regularly re-apply finishes like mineral oil and beeswax to maintain protection. By selecting the right food-safe finish, you can protect your scroll-sawn projects while keeping them safe for everyday use. Experiment with these options to find the perfect match for your project!