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Oil on a new tea tray...identity?

I have just received a new bamboo tea tray from Dragon Tea House, it had a really strong smell out of the box and seems to have some type of light oil teatment on it. I am still waiting for an answer from them as to what exactly the treatment on this tray is, but in the meantime, if there are any woodworkers or others here that have some experience with this, I wanted to ask you...the only things I can guess are tung oil and linseed oil. I don't think it's a foodbased oil such as vegetable because that wouldn't smell chemically I don't think, but I could be wrong. Any idea as to what this might be or how I could reasonably test it to determine identity given common household equipment? I am a little concerned about linseed or tung oil touching food vessels etc., should I be?

The strong smell isn't so abnormal because another large carved wooden tea tray I got had been varnished so of course it smelled strongly. But varnish doesn't come off whereas oil might so...that's why I'm wondering. Thanks.

Melinda

Reply to
Melinda
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Well, that's a toughie without smelling/feeling it. My hope would be that it is a natural oil like linseed or something similar. A way to work on the mystery would be to go to an art store (fine art supplies)... as an artist when I work in oil paint there are a number of oils (including linseed) and thinners used and this would give you a way to smell some of the options to make an olfactory match.

I'd hope it is a natural oil and not petrol based one but honestly anything from China can have just about anything in/on it. I wish it weren't that way but with a few billion folks saving lives isn't priority one.

- Dominic

Reply to
Dominic T.

Thanks Dominic, the seller says it's Tung oil, which according to Wikipedia shouldn't be a problem unless I'm possibly serving someone with a nut allergy. Good to know.

Thanks! Melinda, thinking a nice Rou Gui ought to be good on this tray right now...

Reply to
Melinda

Well good to know, I was hoping it to be something like linseed or tung, but I just hope there weren't any crazy solvents used in conjunction with it. Since it is just a tray it's not a huge deal (unless you partake in some Rou Gui directly off of it ;) but I'm always a bit uneasy with wood products from China (especially bamboo) I've heard and seen some horror stories, like bamboo sticks with warning labels on them I bought about their toxicity.

I'd just wipe it down real good with an old cotton t-shirt/rag to remove any excess and rub in what is there. Just be thankful it isn't naptha or something similar.

- Dominic

Reply to
Dominic T.

If it is tung oil and still wet enough to take a fingerprint or feel sticky you can buff it with a cloth or your fingers to help set the oil. It is a natural drying oil and will harden.

Reply to
beecrofter

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