General Finishes Wood Bowl Finish
Create a beautiful and safe finish on wooden bowls, cups, spoons, and countertops. Easy to apply - just wipe on with a soft clean rag.
Item #
GRP5344
Create a beautiful and safe finish on wooden bowls, cups, spoons, and countertops. Easy to apply - just wipe on with a soft clean rag. Achieves the sheen and resistance of a varnish. Additional coats can be reapplied at any time if maintenance of item becomes necessary. For actively used butcher blocks that are used for chopping and cutting, only use Butcher Block Oil (Product #15950, sold separately).
(1) General Finishes Wood Bowl Finish
| Tech Spec |
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|---|---|
| Use | Interior |
4.7 / 5.0
137 Reviews
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My favorite bowl finish to use
Great finish, really brings my curly maple bowls to life. Not too noxious/chemical of a smell either. I’ve also used this on a couple ice cream scoop handles and even ornaments.
Added Jan 11, 2020
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Wow.
works well and looks great. Leaving a smooth finish.
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Wood Bowl Finish
I started using Wood Bowl Finish on a series os salad bowls and a rolling pin I recently made and was surprised how smooth and shiny it is after 3 or 4 coats.
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Salad Bowl Finish
I have been using this Salad Bowl Finish for years on maple butcher block tables. It is the only finish I trust for such a use. I apply 3 - 5 coats using a brush, not a cloth. Cures to a beautiful silky sheen which is durable for up to 10 years. Resists moisture and even alcohol if you remove it promptly. Alcohol (wine, hard liquor, etc.) will get through the finish if not removed. Red wine may also stain it. Either way, this stuff is the best.
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WOOD FINISHES FOR FOOD CONTAINERS
This is the only type of coating I used for painting bowls that will be used for food serving. It is very good. Fast drying and after three coats I found it protects against water and humidity. Very good.
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Worked perfectly on the 9 pieces I finished. Looks like new.
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great finish for serving bowls
this finish is easy to use by just wiping it on with a cotton cloth.
it dries very nice and looks good. it is high gloss.
it dries very nice and looks good. it is high gloss.
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Worked great
Had no problem when used on the outside of my project, but left a really bad smell on the inside. Not sure why
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Start typing your question and we'll check if it was already asked and answered. Learn More
Browse 67 questions
Browse 67 questions
and 100 answers
Why did you choose this?
Rockler Store
can this be applied over wood that has been painted? It will be a wooden painted cake stand?
BEST ANSWER: I saw it used at a craft fair today. The bowls were totally painted, inside and out and then coated with this clear product. VERY attractive, high gloss finish. I actually thought I was looking at fired pottery.
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- DecoArtwork J on May 20, 2018
Is it waterproof for a cup or tumbler?
BEST ANSWER: Yes, if used for drinking purposes, it works very well. You should not use it for a vessel that will be in contact with water over a long period, such as a vase for fresh flowers.
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- dewey b on Jun 13, 2015
- Purchased on Apr 14, 2015
can this be applied over a stain?
BEST ANSWER: Yes you can apply it over stain but if it's an oil based Stain I wouldn't use it with food
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- William T on Jun 29, 2015
- Purchased on Nov 14, 2014
Is there anyway to darken or deepen the finish?
BEST ANSWER: My only suggestion is multiple coats. This results in a richer, deeper finish, but not necessarily darker.
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- Tom A on Jul 4, 2016
- Purchased on Apr 2, 2015
can you use this finish if the wood has been oiled first? Mineral oil was used on it first
BEST ANSWER: If the mineral oil coating is relatively fresh, I would clean with mineral spirits then let dry for a full day. Then lightly sand with a 600 grit paper and wipe clean. You should be ready for sails bowl application. This is s polyurethane material that dries rather quickly and delivers a beautiful and durable finish. I have used the bowl finish on a cherry kitchen bar, hardwood bracelets and many more projects. It's a great finish you can apply by wiping on with a cotton cloth.
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- Ike K on Jan 14, 2016
- Purchased on Dec 16, 2014
How do you store this without it gelling up? We tried it in the original container, sealing it tight and it gelled up. We put it in a glass jar with lid and it gelled up. Any recommendations how to avoid it gelling?
BEST ANSWER: Karen, I have found that it is impossible to use the entire container before it gells. I only buy the smallest size that I think will serve me and I have kind of surrendered to the idea that the last inch or so in the can will be sacrificed. I do try to keep the lip of the can clean and seal it as soon as I have finished. Hope this helps. By the way, I really like the results I get with this finish. Tom
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- Tom A on Dec 17, 2015
- Purchased on Apr 2, 2015
Can you use for wooden utensils that you cook with? Can it get hot?
BEST ANSWER: I have not tried it on wooden cooking utensils. I think the finish would not hold up very long but you could reapply it. I use mineral oil on cutting boards and wood utensils. After several washings you need to reapply it also. Hope this helps. KEN
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- KENNETH M on Nov 9, 2015
- Purchased on Dec 4, 2014
Is this finish completely transparent?
BEST ANSWER: It darken with multiple coat, but to my way of thinking it really brings out the richness of the wood. I use it on bowls, bracelets, bottle stoppers etc. my customers almost always comment on the beautifl finish. My wife, my boggest critic, loves it. I am very happy with this finish.
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- Tom A on Aug 1, 2016
- Purchased on Apr 2, 2015
is it dishwasher safe?
BEST ANSWER: I would highly recommend hand washing, rinsing and immediately hand drying any wooden items you finish with this or any other traditional finish. General salad bowl finsh is a great finish but wood just does not do well in a dishwasher, no matter how well you coat it.
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- Joseph C on Jun 1, 2015
- Purchased on Apr 22, 2015
Hi. Can it be used for a drinking horn for beer?
BEST ANSWER: I would imagine it can. I used mine for cutting boards which handles chicken and other raw food and has held up well.
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- Ryan D on Jun 20, 2016
- Purchased on Dec 17, 2014
I have a wooden platter that specifically says not food safe. I was looking to use it as a fruit bowl. My question is... Can I use this product to make it a food safe vessel? Thanks!
BEST ANSWER: Any idea why the platter says it is not food safe? If the original finish is the problem, perhaps you could sand it down to bare wood and apply several coats to give it a food safe finish. Hope this helps. Tom
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- Tom A on Mar 2, 2017
- Purchased on Apr 2, 2015
can I use this on he wooden handles of my forks?
BEST ANSWER: Hello Vanessa,
I don't see why not? The finish dries hard and durable.
I'd put at least 3 hand rubbed coats for good coverage.
very light steel wool sanding between coats.
Remember, it's best to NOT use the dishwasher for wooden items.
Good Luck
Phil
I don't see why not? The finish dries hard and durable.
I'd put at least 3 hand rubbed coats for good coverage.
very light steel wool sanding between coats.
Remember, it's best to NOT use the dishwasher for wooden items.
Good Luck
Phil
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- Phil L on Jun 1, 2015
- Purchased on Apr 11, 2015
Is this product UV resistant?
BEST ANSWER: Not sure. I use it on turnings - bowls, bracelets, etc - with great results. I tend to use a minimum of 3 coats.
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- Tom A on Apr 30, 2015
- Purchased on Apr 2, 2015
What do I put as a finish coat on the tray of a baby's high chair (80 years old)? It has been been refinished with an oil-based stain.
Can this be used on stained wood?
BEST ANSWER: Yes it can. I normall apply three or four applications depending on the grain absorption.
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- William G on Sep 15, 2019
- Purchased on Sep 21, 2017
should you cut your counter top before or after putting finish on?
BEST ANSWER: This is a finish. Use it as the last step in the process. Follow the directions on the can. I wipe it on with a clean cloth in very light coats allowing dry time and light sanding, if needed, between coats.
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- Richard S on Jun 27, 2017
- Purchased on Jul 9, 2015
Does this "seal" the wood? Thinking of applying a design on a cutting board using heat transfer vinyl and wondering if this would seal the vinyl on the board?
BEST ANSWER: Lisa, I'm not sure using heat transfer vinyl on a food contact surface. The wood bowl finish will not actually create a protective layer that will separate the vinyl from food contact. I think it may also create some adhesion problems when it soaks into the wood fibers under the vinyl. Also, as you can see from Marti's answer, cutting boards are re-sanded now and then, and that would remove or damage the vinyl pattern. It would only work as a decorative board to hang on the kitchen wall.
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- Andrei C Staff on May 5, 2020
Is this a water based sealant?
BEST ANSWER: No it's not water based. It cleans up with mineral spirits. I also would say that it is no more food safe than any other varnish or poly which is what it is basically. It should be good safe when fully cured like other varnishes. I use shellac for bowls which is really food safe, easy to apply, and gives a nicer finish in my opinion.
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- Corey F on Jul 10, 2017
- Purchased on Aug 6, 2015
I got a quart of this for a 2nd time. The 2nd quart never dries. It stays tacky. Am I doing something wrong or is the product bad?
BEST ANSWER: KK, if you followed the same procedures as the first time and followed the instructions, then I would say you should return it and ask for a replacement. Just stop by at your favorite Rockler store or contact customer support.
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- Andrei C Staff on Apr 30, 2020
Will this finish completely hide the wood grain?
BEST ANSWER: No, it will enhance the wood grain. I use it for serving trays, round, and oval bowls that I sell at craft shows. I get the best finish when using old t-shirt material, rather than just any old rag.
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- VERNON N on Dec 19, 2017
- Purchased on Dec 19, 2015
Dried with some noticeable drips and thick spots. Any way to smooth out or remove?
BEST ANSWER: I don't know how it was applied but either by brush or by wipe on method there was too much used. It has to be sanded down on the drips and thick spots and reapplied. Salad bowl finish works best if you apply it very thin and quickly. Too slow and it will leave streaks by going over the same area trying to smooth it out. Too much finish will run or settle into thick areas. You can use a small knife or putty knife to cut out any big drips and then sand but thick areas need sanding. Apply Salad Bowl Finish very lightly, spread it quickly and plan on 6 to 10 very thin coats sometimes with a light sanding in between coats three and six as needed. A good finish takes time but it is worth it for a great result. I always plan on 12 coats with a 24 hour drying time between coats. It will come out like glass. You don't want to put too many coats on because it will look like you coated your work in plastic. With thin and fast applications you are in control of the finish but you have to take your time by putting on multiple coats. If you sprayed it on then don't. It wasn't meant to be a spray on finish. You can't remove the finish because it will not re soften with solvents nor will it thin out in the can. Keep the lid closed and use Bloxygen to keep a skin from forming over the top while in between coats.
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- JC N on Mar 17, 2017
- Purchased on Jun 27, 2015
Do I take off the wax finish before applying the General Finish to my just turned bowl?
BEST ANSWER: Any wax should be removed before aplying any finish to insure adhesion
I apply 3 to 8 very thin coats to all my bowls then hand rub to reduce the sheen
I apply 3 to 8 very thin coats to all my bowls then hand rub to reduce the sheen
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- Ronald M on Aug 30, 2019
- Purchased on Dec 25, 2016
Has GF Wood Bowl Finish replaced their Salad Bowl Finish? I bought a can yesterday and thought I got SBF as the cans look the same but got home to find I had "Wood Bowl Finish." The ingredients do not appear to be the same?
BEST ANSWER: Yes they have. I ran into the same problem and was told that it is the same product with a new name. I guess the name Salad Bowl Finish was confusing to some. The new name Wood Bowl finish is less confusing for some. I used it on a few turnings and it is the same product.
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- Jim G on Jan 25, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 26, 2017
Is it food safe even if there’s paint underneath?
BEST ANSWER: The finish itself is food safe. If it has a paint that is not food safe under it, I would strip the paint then use
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- STEVE W on Jun 26, 2018
- Purchased on Jul 8, 2016
Does it leave an odor?
BEST ANSWER: Yes, it goes away after a month or so and it creates problems when giving as a gift.
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- Ronald C on Jun 17, 2018
- Purchased on Jun 17, 2016
Can items like handles for kitchen tools be cleaned in a dishwasher and not take the finish off?
BEST ANSWER: I would not put wooden anything in the dishwasher - the high temperature of the water and prolonged exposure to the water would most definitely degrade the finish.
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- Sally H on Aug 16, 2017
- Purchased on Dec 16, 2014
I just purchased maple butcher block counters and I am wanting to seal them with the salad bowl finish. Am I able to stain them prior to sealing or will that reduce the integrity of the product?
BEST ANSWER: According to the web page for the product at General Finishes, "For actively used butcher block counter tops that are used for chopping and cutting, only use Butcher Block Oil." Otherwise, since Salad Bowl Finish is an oil and urethane blend, then I would say any stain that is compatible with urethane could be used, so long as it is completely dry before applying the top coat.
Suggest you try it on an out-of-the-way unstained area. GF Salad Bowl Finish will darken the wood without the use of stain. On some maple cutting boards that I have made, the darkening was significant.
Suggest you try it on an out-of-the-way unstained area. GF Salad Bowl Finish will darken the wood without the use of stain. On some maple cutting boards that I have made, the darkening was significant.
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- GEORGE R on Jun 16, 2017
- Purchased on Jun 17, 2015
Is the finish somewhat heat resistant? The finish I currently have on my counter tops turns chaulky white if something hot gets set on it.
BEST ANSWER: I put this finish on our new cherry counter tops over two years ago. We have tried not to put anything hot on them but flanking our kitchen range something was probably inadvertently put there. So far, they look as great as the day I installed them. No scratches, no burns or discoloration. Super happy with this product!
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- Tony P on Dec 2, 2016
- Purchased on May 5, 2015
I am cleaning up and wanted to just add a good top coat to my kitchen cabinets. How do you think this would hold up?
BEST ANSWER: I have used salad bowl finish on a lot of my projects that are used in the kitchen and it has held up to all kinds of abuse. I have also been in the cabinet business for 30 years and I can tell you the finish you should use on cabinets has to be not only strong but withstand a lot of acidic things found in a kitchen. You don't think you put onion juice, mustard juice and things like that on cabinets but the truth is the most acidic thing you do to your cabinets is put your hands on them and they are the most acidic thing in the kitchen because the contain all those chemicals and more. Strength in the finish is required because of all things your fingernails become tiny chisels and they will wear the finish down especially around the handles. Just look at kitchen displays to see that damage. So in short you can use it but I would suggest something more suitable for cabinets such as a polyurethane product. General finish has several good cabinet finishes. Hope this helps.
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- JC N on Aug 27, 2016
- Purchased on Mar 25, 2015
I am new to this whole area of "food safe" when it comes to wood. Is this product better than General Finishes Salad Bowl Finish? I am about to get in to bowl making. I would like to know what is the best way to stain, seal, prep, or what ever I need to do to keep anyone safe after I am done. Once I start, gift requests will no doubt come it. Thank you for any and all information and advice.
General Finishes Wood Bowl Finish
BEST ANSWER: SealCoat is shellac. Although considered food-safe, shellac does not hold up to moisture. It is the wrong finish to use in wooden bowls meant to hold anything that is liquid.
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- Rob L on Aug 17, 2016
- Purchased on Feb 9, 2015
WARNING: This product can expose you to Benzene, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. This product can expose you to chemicals including Ethylbenzene, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Toluene, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
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