ottawa foodies

my googling skills are failing me. i recently bought an old wood dough bowl. it is in great shape - no splits or cracks. i have no idea what the interior is finished with. i want to be able to use this bowl regularly. does anyone know how i should go about refinishing it and then seasoning it with a food safe finish? or where to even go and ask? i'm one of those people that use my antiques & dishes, so i don't want a display piece.

thanks for any help.

I would guess you'd treat it with the same thing you'd treat a cutting board with, no? Look for anything that says it is approved for food

www.leevalley.com,190,42942
www.leevalley.com,190,42942

See if this site has anything - it is a local Ottawa guy

woodgears.ca/

hipfunkyfun I would use this product www.leevalley.com,190,42950&ap=1 It has wax in it, which will give better protection from moisture on the bowl. I would make sure to apply on both inside and outside to keep moisture profiles the same.

PIO - that's a great product. Additionally, you used to be able to buy some butcher block treatment from Ikea for cheap $, not sure if they still carry it (it was mineral oil based).

You can buy mineral oil almost anywhere, even Canadian Tire. I just use olive oil. I have two large wood bowls that I have had for years.

We received a wooden salad bowl as a wedding gift (Cherry, lovely), and the fellow who made it highly recommended the Clapham's stuff that Pete links to.

thanks all. i have the clapham's stuff, it is great. i am wondering if i need to refinish the interior and remove what is currently there to be safe? any ideas?

Why don't you post a picture of it hipfunkyfun so we can give better advice? ( and drool a bit..)

ok, here are some pictures. i have been trying to sand out the bowl by hand and i have removed a lot of wax and build up. i think there is still more there though, i have been able to scrape out a bit with my finger nail. i am considering just saying it's good enough, fine sanding it and then start treating it with clapham's salad bowl finish. what are the dangers to me if there is something there? i'll be using the bowl for dressed salads of all types, bread, dough, and who knows what else.

thanks for all suggestions and warning.

here is another view. i am not touching the outside.

What a sweet bowl.

You could try some steel wool before giving it a final fine sanding. Maybe try a mouse sander.

I doubt there is anything of any significant concentration that will make you sick, but the steel wool may help remove any remaining wax.