"MikeMTM" > wrote in message
news:1100044688.qcC2PSsC9moKN5NGH5U+yQ@teranews...
> Rob wrote:
> > do you use spar varnish on the wood?
>
> Rob,
>
> I use close-grained wood like maple or beech or poplar, and give it with
> several coats of water based polyurethane. I find it smells less than
> oil based products, and I suspect it has less to leach into the must or
> wine, 'though it probably doesn't matter. The sealant goes on before
> attaching to the hoops, giving special attention to the end grain.
>
> Many years ago I slapped a basket together in a hurry from cheap pine
> 1x2 furring strips, uncoated. It never caused a problem, and is still
> going strong for a friend. I believe sanitation & drying & storage are
> more important than how, or even _if_ the wood is coated. Do be wary of
> crevices though; they're hard to clean.
>
> --
If you're in a hurry to seal a press boil parafin wax and coat the surface
with the wax.