Homemade Finish

Garrett Hack replies: Neither oil nor wax are very durable finishes, but they do have a nice feel and smell. To mix an edible version good for wooden utensils, plates, and salad bowls, add shaved bees wax to warm walnut oil. Heat the oil carefully in a double boiler, just enough to melt the wax. I aim for the easy to spread consistency of butter left on the counter on a summer day.

For a non-edible mix use boiled linseed or tung oil. This is a nice topcoat for furniture or for burnishing into turnings on the lathe.