I'm a complete beginner and I'm looking to make a beer mug for a friend. I need advice on what to use for coating the interior of the mug after sanding it. I want to avoid any materials that could leave a bad taste or be unhealthy. I thought about using wood impregnants, but I'm not sure if that's the right route. Should I use wax? If yes, does it need to be a specific type?
2 Answers
When it comes to wooden beer mugs, it's interesting to look at how barrels are made. They don't typically use finishes because the wood swells when wet, sealing any gaps. If you're worried about toxicity, research which wood is safe to use. Another option is using epoxy, as it's pretty inert once fully cured, but let it cure for a month to be safe.
I'd personally stick to food-safe finishes like pure tung oil or polymerized linseed oil. Avoid boiled linseed oil since it can have additives that aren’t great for food. Companies like Tried and True offer some good choices, and just make sure to put on multiple coats. Beeswax is also an option, but it won't last if the mug gets soaked in alcohol. Get something that's specifically designed for food contact, like certain wood oils available on the market.
Just a heads up, make sure if you go with tung oil, you use 100% pure tung oil and not a mixed formula! It's safer for food surfaces.