Salt, pepper, tea, coffee and sugar pot internal coatings?

[JustBen]

Hi all,

I'm looking to make salt, pepper, tea, coffee and sugar pots but unsure what to coat the inside with.

If left bare, will the contents react with the wood or vice-versa?

I can't find any answers in the search bar.

The salt and pepper pots are going to have limited work space as I intend on capping once it's hollowed out.
This leaves me a small 10mm ish hole to work with.
If I coat the inside first,I run the risk of the coating on the the cap interfering with the glue or not covering all the area.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

[MMUK]

I *think* all of the wooden ones I've seen have been left bare inside, although most have been waxed or varnished outside.

 

[CHJ]

If in doubt, a few coats of melamine enhanced lacquer would be my suggestion, it won't hinder glue-up once dry, especially if you use CA.

 

[Tazmaniandevil]

Any I've done have been left bare inside. I've only ever used beech or cherry. Some timbers may not be food safe unfinished.
Someone with far more knowledge than me will be along soon enough with a list of suitable woods. I just don't seem to be able to retain that kind of info.

 

[KimG]

I would go for Melamine as well, it has an added advantage that it continues to cure for several days making a very hard wearing finish once properly cured.

 

[JustBen]

Thanks for the answers.

The wood is black walnut and Canadian maple.

I will attempt to use melamine.

I've just seen the November challenge..... Salt and pepper.
Perfect timing.