I swear, no matter what I'm doing to finish my bowls and such, I always feel like it isn't quite right.
So, I'd love some recommendations. Suppose I make a bowl that is decorative only, or really just for someone to toss their keys and wallet into as they come in the door. The finish doesn't matter all that much, right? I've used a home-made friction polish (shellac, mineral oil, waxes, DNA) that works pretty well if done over a cellulose sanding sealer. I've also used just plain danish oil, and also used just plain walnut oil. All see to be okay.
But suppose I want a bowl that is for eating? And I don't mean just a candy dish or salad bowl. What if it's a cereal bowl? There's gonna be cheerios and milk in this thing. I'm thinking a shellac based friction polish will wear out too fast here? OK, so what do I use? And what will keep the grain on the bowl from raising as soon as the thing is wet with milk? Heck, what keeps the grain raising on a candy dish or salad bowl from getting wet when it gets washed? Do you guys raise the grain on your bowls with water a half dozen times before you finish the bowl?
Please, educate me!
-Steve