Soap Finish?

[lowpolyjoe]

I just got a woodworking magazine and there's an article about a finish made from soap flakes and water.  I only skimmed it so far, but was wondering if anyone on this forum has tried it?   

I would like to try it but I think it said that it needs constant maintenance (every few months) and I know I'm never going to want to do that 

[Bark Beetle]

I bet it would work great for a soap dish

[Dan_Shade]

I saw an article on soap finishes a while back, it may be popular in Europe.   

It looked like it would require more maintenance than wax.

[lowpolyjoe]

I saw an article on soap finishes a while back, it may be popular in Europe.   

It looked like it would require more maintenance than wax.

Yeah, the article says it's a traditional finish from Denmark for floors and furniture.  I'm shocked you can use it on floors - how can it not get slippery when wet?

I bet it would work great for a soap dish

 

[LeeB]

I never tried it but from what I have read it is a temporary finish and requires re-applying often. Not as much protection as wax, which offers little protection itself. I seem to remember that the slippery when wet issue is indeed a problem.

[Lud]

I tried this 4-5 years ago for turnings.  Used two of the great,big, rope handle tubs. Filled about halfway with liquid soap and water, put the green turned bowl in (which tries to float) and put the 2nd tub on top to submerge it and added bricks to hold it down.  Waited a week or so , washed off the outside and let dry.  It did not crack!

However, I wasn't impressed with the color shift or general feel.  Interesting but not worth pursuing IMHO. A bowl for food soaked in soap might give you a flavor you wouldn't want, y'know?

[lowpolyjoe]

Thanks Lee and Lud for more info.  I was briefly thinking about tracking down the recommended type of soap at a health food store and giving this a shot, but after further consideration I don't think I'm going to bother. 

[Carson-saws]

tung...tounge...ahh heck...how ever ya spell it, either way...tong, tung, tounge OIL works real nice

[Lud]

For turnings I use mineral oil and beeswax  while the piece is on the lathe. real slow speed and oil soaked rag in both directions as my lathe has a reverse.  Then hold the wax to the piece, again in both directions to force the wax down in the pores,  Then a nylon scrubber to mix the materials and I use a bit higher speed and pressure to generate some heat for penetration,  both directions, of course.  Then a wad of oil/wax soaked Tshirt and speed it up to buff- both directions, maybe 500.

I can finish a piece in less time than it took to write this. All this stuff fits in a cookie tin and the lid keeps the chips out.  Food safe finish, easily freshened with vegetable oil, cheap and effective.