Can you restore a wooden shaving bowl?

[DavidB]

I just got a used bowl of Trumper shaving soap and it has a little bit of water damage around the rim. Looks like water or soap has sucked the moisture out of the wood. Is there anything I can do to restore the moisture to the wood?

Dave

 

[mblakele]

You could try rubbing it with mineral oil, like you would do with a cutting board.

If that isn't enough, I think you're in for sanding and refinishing.

 

[Suzuki]

The mineral oil or wax is a good idea, but will be a temporary fix at best.

The only permanent fix is to do a bit of light sanding and give it a couple coats of varnish (marine grade would be my choice).

 

[maurerc]

Wooden bowls can never look new for long. The wood will gradually absorb water, some parts of it more than others, so that it will swell unevenly, causing it to warp and check. Worrying about the finish is pointless.

 

[David in Boston]

I did have some wooden shaving bowls in the past that dried out.

Seeing that olive oil does it all I let the bowls sit in the oil overnight.

Wiped them off in the morning and let them dry.

Good as new.

 

[DavidB]

Thanks, guys! Good input.

Dave

 

[Schwert]

Food oils are usually not a great choice for wood as they turn rancid and sticky over time.

Mineral oil is better for something like a wooden soap bowl which will be wet often.

 

[Bobtrumpet]

I'd use a real tung oil finish instead of mineral oil - you'll need to do it periodically to protect the bowl.

You can also go with with either a marine varnish or a non-water-soluble polyurethane. Make sure you get as much of the soap out as possible so the varnish sticks.

 

[DavidB]

A touch of lemon oil has temporarily done the trick on my Trumper bowl, though I expect mineral oil or tung oil would be better.

Dave