Waterproofing my D.R. Harris/GFT/T&H wooden bowls

[Pedigree]

Wanting to waterproof both the wood and the stickers and paper ribbons (DR Harris bowls) using an oil-based clear gloss polyurethane spray. Would one coat be enough or would two coats be better?

 

[gile]

Two at least.

 

[Pedigree]

I applied 2-3 coats (3 coats on my DR Harris bowls). Really glad I did as the 3 coats really brought out the color and grain of the wood of the D.R. Harris bowls and sealed in the stickers and paper ribbons. I'm happy with the result. Now I need to figure out if I need to sand the inside of the bowls before applying the tung oil?

 

[gile]

If you want wood to absorb that oil you need to sand it.

 

[Driftwood]

I assume they are new? or you will need to remove all the soap residue or the tung oil will never cure

 

[ischiapp]

... using an oil-based clear gloss polyurethane spray.

... before applying the tung oil?

I'd go the opposite way.
Before oil, then PU.

 

[Pedigree]

I assume they are new? or you will need to remove all the soap residue or the tung oil will never cure

Yes, they are new. I'll give them a good whiping and then a sanding.

 

[Pedigree]

Sorry for the confusion. I applied the polyurethane to the outside of the bowl and the top of the lid where the stickers are. I would be applying the tung oil to the inside of the bowl and the underside of the lid.

 

[Vacumatic]

I have the Harris bowls in beech and mahogany, both just as they left the company some years and untreated without any problems.

Am I missing something? Should I be waterproofing a hardwood bowl?

 

[Pedigree]

I have the Harris bowls in beech and mahogany, both just as they left the company some years and untreated without any problems.

Am I missing something? Should I be waterproofing a hardwood bowl?

I'm just hoping to preserve them and keep them looking like new (even improve the look a little?).

 

[Shave to the grave]

I have the Harris bowls in beech and mahogany, both just as they left the company some years and untreated without any problems.

Am I missing something? Should I be waterproofing a hardwood bowl?

No! Absolute waste of time.

 

[Pedigree]

Not if it preserves them for a long time?

 

[Shave to the grave]

Not if it preserves them for a long time?

Honestly pal, they'll be around long after you've timed out. Preserved or not. I know, I work wood for a living

 

[Smiffy]

I would prefer to let the natural fats and oils in the soap penetrate the hard wood.

I have a Victorian mahogany bench, unvarnished, stays outside in all weathers including snow and freezing conditions, looks perfect. I would be more concerned about water finding its way under the varnish and becoming trapped between a hard wood and varnish.

My wooden shaving bowl is from the 1960s, twenty years ago I used a light stain and varnish, it didn't last, I used steel wool to remove what was left and it is still perfect today.

I will call in at DR Harris later today and ask for their experience and advice.

 

[Smiffy]

The advice was that a hard wood bowl needs no additional protection or coating to preserve performance or appearance.