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Finish for Lazy Susans

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Finish for Lazy Susans

#1

Finish for Lazy Susans

Bob Verne

I have recently completed turning a few lazy susan tops and bases and am contemplating my choice of finishes. In the past, I have finished them with varnish. It was suggested to me by a local woodturner that I consider finishing them with oil and wax, like other food-contact items such as bowls and cutting boards. I never considered lazy susans to be food-contact items, but they could be exposed to water if a glass or cup were placed on them. I would have considered this usage unlikely, but now I am not so sure.

The woods in question are cherry and bloodwood.

What do you folks think?

Bob

Re: Finish for Lazy Susans

#2

Re: Finish for Lazy Susans

john Lucas

I finished a bunch that I gave away for Christmas a long time ago with Wipe on Poly. The only reason I remember is I was at my mothers this weekend and she uses it very day on the kitchen table. It contains everything from salt and pepper to jellies and dips depending on what she's using that day. It sits on the table. Fortunately I had written on the bottom what it is and actually looked at it this morning before I left for home. It is 16 years old.

Re: Finish for Lazy Susans

#3

Mike Stafford

Re: Finish for Lazy Susans

Mike Stafford

You didn't say how these lazy susans are to be used. I am going make my comments on the assumption that they might be used around food stuffs.

Oil and wax make a beautiful finish but do not like exposure to certain liquids including water which can spot an oil/wax finish fairly easily. An oil finish can be renewed fairly easily.

Varnish is more resistant to liquid damage but not entirely so as we have all been reminded to use a coaster under our cold beverages to prevent water spotting. Depending on the damage repairing a water damaged varnish finish can be difficult.

I suppose any finish is acceptable for occasional use but the greater the likelihood that the object is going to be exposed to water I would tend to recommend a poly finish.

Re: Finish for Lazy Susans

#4

Re: Finish for Lazy Susans

Bob Verne

Thanks for your comments, John & Mike.

The problem is that I can't be sure what they will be used for. As pretty as an oil/wax finish would be, I think that your comments lead me to lean to a conservative strategy and go for a poly - based finish. A lazy Susan is inherently a utility item and needs a suitably protective finish. I think I knew that. I appreciate the help and focus.

Bob

Re: Finish for Lazy Susans

#5

Re: Finish for Lazy Susans

don stephan

I vote for varnish. My finish on bowls of all types is a wipe on varnish made with equal parts Pratt & Lambert 38 Gloss and mineral spirits. I use a wooden bowl every day (or will soon as I lose more weight and get off Slimfast) for milk and cornflakes. Hand wash with soft side of kitchen sponge and towel dry, no sign of water damage after a year.

Re: Finish for Lazy Susans

#6

Re: Finish for Lazy Susans *LINK*

Ed Davidson

Bob,

All of the rotating displays (lazy susans) shown on the webpage linked below were finished with the Beall buffing system and Renessance wax...which buffs out dry and very hard.


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Rotating Displays

Re: Finish for Lazy Susans

#7

Re: Finish for Lazy Susans

Bob Verne

Ed, the polished wax finishes on your rotating display carousels do look excellent. I have become convinced, though, that kitchen table lazy susans live in a tougher environment requiring a more durable finish. I've seen my grandkids in action. Wax finishes are indeed beautiful, but not as robust as varnish.

Bob