Expert: Jamie Yocono - 10/19/2009

Question
Hi Jamie-
I very much appreciated your column warning people not to use linseed oil on pine. My question is: What kind of finish would you use on a pine bread box?  I don't want to stain it, and I want the benefits of the wood (which apparently helps keep bread dryer and fresher) I've read people suggesting everything from boiled linseed or mineral oil, to beeswax, paraffin, Watco Danish oil, varathane, or lacquer spray.  Help!  Thanks so much and best regards!

Answer
Hi Rick,

I guess my first question would be - are you sure you want to do anything at all to the wood? It could be left unfinished, with perhaps just a piece of parchment or foil on the bottom, which could be replaced from time to time. Nothing is safer than no finish at all.

Mineral oil is the commonly used "natural" finish, but according to Bob Flexner, who wrote "Understanding Wood Finishing", any finish that doesn't retain it's smell is cured, and  therefore, non-toxic.

I use Watco on everything I make. But - it does have an odor until it dries. Once Watco is cured, it's non toxic.

My best suggestion - if you're worried about it enough to write, then you probably have a good reason for being worried. Maybe you have allergies, or are super sensitive to smells, etc. I'm serious about leaving the wood unfinished. Just try to keep it from absorbing anything (like oils) from the bread by using something under the bread, as I mentioned above. If you don't want to leave it unfinished, mineral oil would be my next best suggestion.

Good luck, hope this helps.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com
My woodworking blog: www.wooditis.blogspot.com