Tom you may disagree but manufactures indicate that food paint should be
used,
the biggest problem with varnish is that it is oil based which in turn can
contaminate the liquid
when the press is in use.
With regard to varnish have a look at the hazard or material safety data
sheets,

I suggest that you have a look at different manufactures of presses and
compare.
Best regards Stephen SG


"Tom S" > wrote in message
om...
|
| "Stephen SG" > wrote in message
| ...
| > ***Food grade paint should be used not varnish***
| > Stephen sg
|
| I disagree. Well cured marine spar varnish, e.g. Man O' War, is excellent
| for press staves and other wood pieces that come in contact with the wine.
| It isn't as though it contains any _lead_ salts, and once it is thoroughly
| dried the volatile elements are gone.
|
| Tom S
|
|