sealing your work

[plane_crazzy]

I will beg forgiveness now. I have looked on here but have been unable to find, although I am sure it is here, what to use to seal my work. I have seen boiled linseed oil, as well as Japanese drier listed. I have not found out what the latter is though. Also, are these safe to use on work that will be involved with food, such as utensils? Thank you and please don't smack me too much for asking......

[dkunkler]

Japan drier can be added to oil based finishes to speed drying time. Do a search for japan drier for more info. Although pure linseed oil is edible, most products labeled as "boiled linseed oil" are a combination of raw linseed oil, petroleum-based solvent and metallic dryers. The use of solvents and metallic dryers makes boiled linseed oil inedible. I use beeswax on items requiring a nontoxic finish.

[Glenn]

Boiled linseed oil MSDS Sheet

Potential Acute Health Effects:
Eye: Contact may cause eye irritation.

Skin: May cause skin irritation. Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.

Ingestion: Substance may be harmful if swallowed. This substance may cause gastrointestinal tract distress and central nervous system depression.

Inhalation: High vapor concentrations may be irritating to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protection
Engineering Controls: Use in well-ventilated areas. If necessary use mechanical local exhaust ventilation or general room dilution ventilation to reduce vapor concentrations.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Eye Protection: Prevent eye contact. Wear chemical splash goggles or similar eye protection if the potential exists for eye contact.

Skin Protection: Prevent skin contact. Wear chemical-resistant flexible-type gloves (neoprene, PVC, butyl, nitrile or similar). Depending on conditions of use additional protective equipment may be necessary such as face-shield, apron or coveralls.

Respiratory Protection: None required for normally expected use conditions. If occupational exposure limits are exceeded or if irritation is experienced, wear an appropriate NIOSH approved respirator with organic vapor cartridges.

General Hygiene Practices: Wash after handling material. Prevent Eye contact. Avoid prolonged skin and inhalation contact. Wash thoroughly before handling food, cosmetics, or before smoking. Remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse.
------------

It is generally considered that cooking oil(s) and bees wax are acceptable as coatings for eating utensils.

Canola Oil,
Canola is an engineered plant developed in Canada. The oil is derived from the rapeseed plant, a member of the mustard family. Read more by clicking on the title.

Canola Oil MSDS
Olive Oil MSDS
Bees wax MSDS

[ThomasPowers]

I use parafin wax, (food safe buy it at the grocery with the canning supplies), Beeswax, (2 hives on my property); or I season the metal like you would season a cast iron skillet. Or I forge the items out of stainless and not treat it at all.

[shortdog]

I've been making a bunch of oyster knives this winter and have found that a good soak in vegetable oil sets them up right. Wash after use and recoat as needed.

[dablacksmith]

i use a spray oil for cooking utensils and apply hot (be careful as it can flash) it is easy and quick ! lightly warm the utensil spray it down and wipe ! good luck!

[DennisG]

*** Also posted at ***

My two cents......

I use a paste I learned about I believe here. It is 1 prt bees wax, 1/2 prt linseed oil, and 1 prt varsol. Apply to a warm piece and wipe excess off. Gives a nice old black "blacksmithed" look.

Here is where I learned about it......

http://www.youtube.c...u/6/bcndMLZV7hs