Replies

1. 
   beachfarm | Nov 08, 2005 03:03am | #1

   Mineral Oil.

   Stick the bottle in a bowl of hot tap water to warm the oil then pour the oil (liberally) onto the block surface. Let it absorb then wipe off the remainder. If the wood is new or very dry, repeat. If you want a harder surface, you can add a little melted beeswax to the oil.

1. 
   BrooklynTed | Nov 08, 2005 04:54am | #3

   thanks -- Between you and post below it looks like I hav emy marching orders. (I like the add wax idea...)

2. 
   jtandrews | Nov 08, 2005 03:35am | #2

   I followed the advice I received on this forum a several months ago, and I am very satisfied. 

   I made a mixture of mineral oil and parfin wax.  I added grated parfin wax to generic mineral oil and microwaved the mixture for about 45 seconds.  I applied (liberally- almost poured) the finish at night before going to bed.  In the morning I wiped the excess.  Then wiped it a few more times during the day.  By the evening I had a finish that had dried enought that I could use it without the oil transfering to whatever I set on it.  The parafin really makes the finish.  It softens the feel of the surface and add some longevity as well.

   I was warned that I would have to re-apply the finish every three months or so, and that has indeed been the case.  But, it hasn't been nearly the pain that I thought it would be.

   There is no need for an expensive finish here.  Keep it simple and cheap, and you'll get a very nice finish.

   Jeff