Finish for coasters and pot stands

[Sean Hellman]

For much of my career I have used simple finishes, oils and waxes. I now need something that can stand up to heat and liquids for pot stands and coasters. I do not have spray equipment. What do you use and, what withstands wet and hot conditions and is easy to apply?

 

[baldkev]

I would think heat is difficult, but there are higher temp epoxy's i believe?

 

[Sean Hellman]

Are there any people on this form who have made or make coasters, how do you finish them ?

I would think heat is difficult, but there are higher temp epoxy's i believe?

I will have a look, I have also seen some very high prices for specialist epoxy finishes and glues.

 

[recipio]

Gloss polyurethane is heatproof. I think the solvent based varnish is tougher than the water based and the trick is to invest in a dedicated varnish brush from a good paint shop.

 

[Cabinetman]

Afraid I can’t see anything standing up to a pan straight from the hob being put onto it, you could perhaps inlay some stainless rods that would stand proud? Ian

 

[TheTiddles]

Coasters (for sale) - mineral oil, because it’s very forgiving, cheap and vegan friendly.

For things out the oven - metal.

 

[gog64]

Hardwax oil for coasters, I’ve used Fiddes with perfect results many times. Hot mugs straight from the kettle are no problem. Lasts for years in daily use. 2-3 coats, denib between each.

pot stands? No chance, pans etc can scorch wood, so no finish will protect against that. Wood with no finish works fine, or cast iron as @TheTiddles mentioned. This is a simple English oak one I made about 5 years ago that’s in daily use. Yes, it was a late dinner of risotto!

No doubt someone will be along in a minute to critique my jointing

 

[TheTiddles]

Did your risotto do something to upset you?

 

[gog64]

Are you criticising my wife’s cooking! No, it was delicious. I should probably have have taken the pot off of the stand…

 

[Cooper]

Hardwax oil for coasters, I’ve used Fiddes

Gloss polyurethane is heatproof. I think the solvent based varnish is tougher than the water based

This is just the thread I've been looking for. I've made some coasters from Yew logs which look great without a finish but I don't know what to use on them.
Any brands to buy or recommended suppliers would be very helpful.
My local hardware shop, where I could just pop in and get almost anything I wanted, closed down at the beginning of the first lock-down and now I'm bereft. Its now a drive to Wickes, Homebase or B&Q and nobody seems to know anything about what they sell.

 

[Cooper]

Hardwax oil for coasters, I’ve used Fiddes

I've found the Fiddes web site, thanks. What is the shelf life? Should I buy for what I need now or can I get a bigish tin and never worry about needing any more?

 

[Br5d]

Should I buy for what I need now or can I get a bigish tin and never worry about needing any more?

I'd purchase a medium to small sized can as when opened the wax oils will develop skin layers. As most of the wax oils are expensive you'd want to lose as little as possible.

 

[TheTiddles]

Oli Natura is less than half the price of Osmo and has a screw top, I’ve just bought some but not tried it yet

 

[gog64]

I've found the Fiddes web site, thanks. What is the shelf life? Should I buy for what I need now or can I get a bigish tin and never worry about needing any more?

my rule of thumb is: if it forms a hard skin (paint, hardwax) I try to buy just enough for the job in hand, otherwise (I.e. BLO, mineral oil) I buy a big container.

 

[Gavlar]

Tung oil has worked well for me, at least for coasters, it resists hot mugs very well.