"Cheap" wood safe stain from HD

[Greenlawnracing]

Probably the wrong place to ask, but I made a candy dispenser for my kids out of scrap wood.

Just realized I can't use regular stain on it as it isn't certified food safe. Internet says it probably is, but either way it must say "food safe" to get approval.

Googled it, got a headache, and noticed most of them are expensive because they are going on nice things like cutting boards.

This is my third project, really just want something to pass inspection. HD is right down the road. Any suggestions?

 

[Hubmonkey]

Cheap and food safe should not be in the same sentence but Watco Butcher Block stain is not expensive...

 

[strutaeng]

Shellac. What do mean you "pass inspection?"

 

[jar944]

Shellac is one of the few finishes you could drink (in its un-cured form) if you were so inclined (made with everclear and not denatured alcohol). It's food safe

 

[Greenlawnracing]

Shellac. What do mean you "pass inspection?"

Director of safety regulations will not allow the utilization of any stain that isn't clearly marked "food safe" which is very understandable.

 

[Greenlawnracing]

Cheap and food safe should not be in the same sentence but Watco Butcher Block stain is not expensive...

Think we have a winner cause Shellac is out of stock other than spray. This stuff?

 

[jar944]

Director of safety regulations will not allow the utilization of any stain that isn't clearly marked "food safe" which is very understandable.

Jelly belly candy is coated in shellac and beeswax.

 

[jar944]

Think we have a winner cause Shellac is out of stock other than spray. This stuff?

CVS or wallgreens will have the same oil (foodsafe mineral oil) it's the same as baby oil without the added scent. Also works good in certain European motorcycle hydraulic clutches..

 

[strutaeng]

I see. Yeah, butcher block oil will work too. Mineral oil is cheap and will work as well.

 

[Hubmonkey]

Think we have a winner cause Shellac is out of stock other than spray. This stuff?

that would work if you want clear.. Watco has clear a couple of colors

Watco 1 Pint Butcher Block Oil in Clear 241758 - The Home Depot

Invigorate the classic look of your countertops with the addition of this Watco Clear Butcher Block Oil.

www.homedepot.com

 

[Greenlawnracing]

I see. Yeah, butcher block oil will work too. Mineral oil is cheap and will work as well.

I have some in my garage, the "medicine" type stuff. Because yes, it also works for bicycle freehubs and other stuff. Is that what you are talking about? The stuff from CVS/Walgreens?

 

[Greenlawnracing]

that would work if you want clear.. Watco has clear a couple of colors

Watco 1 Pint Butcher Block Oil in Clear 241758 - The Home Depot

Invigorate the classic look of your countertops with the addition of this Watco Clear Butcher Block Oil.

www.homedepot.com

Would like a little bit of color to it. This is the project I used for guidance, and I did like his slight tint.

How to make a Candy Dispenser

Learn step-by-step how to make a candy dispenser out of wood. A great project to do with your kids or grandkids. This is a very fun weekend project.

www.fouroakscrafts.com

 

[Hubmonkey]

Yeah there is no stain on that...

"I decided to use my homemade mineral oil / beeswax mixture to finish the candy dispenser"

 

[jar944]

Shellac will give an actual film finish and impart a amber tint. You should be able to get it from Amazon. That's where I got my last few quarts of Zinser seal coat (2lb cut shellac)

 

[FlaGman]

Char burn, sand and wax or shellac. Or make a light tea stain if you don’t want the dark contrast.

 

[strutaeng]

I have some in my garage, the "medicine" type stuff. Because yes, it also works for bicycle freehubs and other stuff. Is that what you are talking about? The stuff from CVS/Walgreens?

Yes, the medicine mineral oil. I think it's used as a laxative for medical use, right?

I've used it on cutting boards.

If you want a bit of finish, use the amber shellac as was mentioned. It will give it a nice shine too. Canned shellac is fine. Or you could even make your own cut with denatured alcohol.

 

[Hubmonkey]

Another advantage to the Shellac flakes and denatured alcohol method mentioned by others is you can mix up small amounts that you need and dont have a whole quart sitting around waiting on your next project..