Poly outside and oil inside

[Steve Heveron]

Has anyone ever tried poly on the outside of a bowl and oil inside? Did it work?

 

[Brian Gustin]

I have not, and very likely never will, but I don't see any reason it couldn't work. Generally when I choose a finish for a project it is pretty much going to be all one finish, not a combination of the two. As well, Oil based poly can be put on top of most oil based finishes (provided there's no wax) so not like there would be any conflict there?

 

[Michael Anderson]

I’ve not used poly, but I have done many bowls where I use oil in the interior and lacquer on exterior (or vice versa). This is only when I’ve had different surface treatments on either surface (paint, for example). I’ve not done it when the entire bowl is natural wood. Be aware if the wood is porous (especially if the bowl is thin), as your oil (or maybe also the poly) can seep to the other side and interfere.

 

[Mark Fairchild]

This maple basket illusion has oil on the inside and lacquer on the outside. Worked fine.

 

[John Snow]

Since poly is relatively impermeable, and oil finish may be much more permeable, are you concerned about building up humidity imbalance stresses, leading to checks or warping? I make it a point to apply the same finish (or lack of) to both sides of thin-wall pieces.

 

[Steve Heveron]

Thank you all for your help. Basket illusion is awesome

 

[Richard Coers]

Never tried it, but I really knock back the gloss and build of poly. It basically looks like an oil finish to me.