Not to complicate matters but this issue as been raised before.
If you were to purchase a new press the recommended type of coating would be
food grade paint, as this form would not contaminate the fruit.
Some have indicated that clear or brown tint varnish would be suitable but
as this is oil base this is not recommended, as the varnish gives of surface
contamination
when in contact with what is been placed on it.

Stephen SG


"Don S" > wrote in message
om...
| To resurrect an old thread of mine, my press basket is near done and I'm
| considering the coating. We discussed varnish vs "salad bowl" finishes
with
| some sort of consensus on food grade grade finishes although I also get
the
| feeling that a well dried spar varnish would be OK as well.
|
| Here are the new questions for the group:
|
| - the salad bowl varnishes are an oil or mix of oils clearly marked food
| grade that is suppose to dry on, a salad in a bowl is vastly different to
| grape juice - does anyone have an opinion on whether it might impart a
| flavour to the finished wine?
|
| - my thinking here is that if the oil is a bad decision then I can always
| varnish for next year, I think the varnish will go over just about any
finish,
| thoughts on this one?
|
| Don