Is Danish Oil Food Safe? [Expert’s Answer]

We all know danish oil is often used in wooden kitchen items that come in contact with your food. But there’s confusion regarding its toxicity. And it’s pretty important to know the answer to that if anyone wants to use it. Otherwise, you can risk your own or your family’s health.

So, is danish oil food safe?

Well, oftentimes danish oil is considered food safe. Because the oil is made with a mixture of tung and raw linseed oil. And these two oil types are known to be food safe. However, sometimes danish oil is made with linseed and tung oil that are mixed with chemical solvents. So, in that case, danish oil isn’t food safe. 

Now, let’s not just stop here. We’ve mentioned every little detail regarding danish oil and its food safety. Therefore, you should definitely take a look at this piece of ours. This way you’ll be sure whether to use the oil or not.

Let’s get started then!

Danish Oil: Food Safe or Not

The easy answer is YES. However, there comes a debate with it.

As mentioned earlier, danish oil contains natural oils like tung oil and linseed oil. So, danish oil with a mixture of raw linseed and tung oil is 100% Food safe. 

Other versions of linseed and tung oil are mixed with chemical solvents. As a result, those are toxic and not food safe. 

So, danish oil is not made of pure or raw linseed or tung oil. Again, some additives like varnish and mineral spirits are also used. All these make danish oil toxic.

Now, why did we first say “Yes”? 

Because danish oil is food safe when it is completely cured or polymerized.

Thus, if you want to use the oil, do use it when it is completely dried out. This way you’ll be completely free of any worry!

Note: you can also make sure by checking the labels or brands that are claimed as food safe.

Is Danish Oil Safe with Babies?

Often the mothers question if danish oil is safe to use on things that their babies use.

Well, we understand the concern. Because your baby might touch or lick any products that have vanished. It can be of any oil including Danish oil. 

So, is Danish oil safe for babies? The answer is YES. Danish oil is non-toxic and safe for babies. After being completely cured, any surface covered with Danish oil is safe for babies.

For further assurance, FDA has also approved of Danish oil Safe and Non-toxic. It is safe for all unfinished woodwork. Be it a toy or a cradle where your baby sleeps.  

Should You Use Danish Oil: Good and Bad Sides

Danish Oil is a great wood finishing that has been used for years now. However, Danish oil isn’t the only oil that works as a protector. So, when it comes to choosing finishes, everyone considers the pros and cons.

By considering the pros and cons of Danish oil, you can easily compare it with other oil products. This will give you a push to make a choice.

Advantages

It is true that Danish oil has some drawbacks. But first, let’s know why you must choose Danish oil. 

Liquid Resistant

Danish oil is water or liquid-resistant. Danish oil reacts with the atmosphere for a polymerization that creates a strong surface. Water or other liquid substances cannot penetrate through it. 

Chemical Resistant

It is also resistant to different chemicals. Because of the strong surface created as a result of polymerization, it can resist strong chemicals. 

Fast Drying

Danish oil dries faster than other finishing oils. Unless the weather is too cold or humid, it’ll dry in a span of 6 hours. 

A maximum of 2-3 days is suggested for complete cure in regard to 2-3 coats. 

Retain the Wood’s Color

Danish oil gives a darker color to your wood. Despite its regular use, Danish oil does not go yellow. It holds its color. 

Gives a shine

Danish oil also improves the texture of your wood. It does not just protect your wood but it also provides a gloss to the wood.

Even after extensive use, the coating won’t change its silky texture. 

Easy to Apply

It is easy to apply Danish oil through a piece of cloth, rag, or brush. It should be applied through the grain direction for better results.

Usually, 2-3 coats are suggested for the ultimate texture.  

Elasticity

Often the woods can expand or contract due to weather or other issues. In this case, Danish oil is the best choice. It can also contract or expand with the wood retaining its finish. 

Great Base Coat or Primer

Lastly, it works as a primer or base coat entering into the pores of the wood. As a result, any other top coat works perfectly fine on Danish oil coating. 

Disadvantages 

We have talked about the good parts of using Danish oil. Now, let’s consider the bad parts of using this oil. 

Regular Maintenance

The first drawback of Danish oil is its regular maintenance. The polymerized structure of this oil traps dust. As a result, one has to take care and regularly clean the surface.

It isn’t also resistant to scratches and marks. So, for a better texture, 2-3 coats of re-application are advised every year. 

Not So Durable

The durability rate of Danish oil is not so high as other finishers. Due to its thin-film coat, it tends to get damaged over time if used regularly. 

Limited Application

Danish oil has some limitations when it comes to applying it to wood. Danish oil gives the perfect finish only in bare or untreated wood.

So, you will have to make sure your wood is bare. Or else you won’t get the perfect finish you are desiring for. 

Flammable and Sudden Combustion

Danish oil is extremely flammable. When you are working with it, make sure you are not near the fire. The oil can catch fire easily. 

Again, it can react with atmospheric oxygen.

So, do the pros take the win over the cons? Well, that’s up to you. But as a nontoxic oil, this is a great choice for furnishing. 

FAQs

Conclusion

So, that’s all on is Danish oil food safe. To conclude, we can say Danish oil is food safe. You just have to make sure that it is completely cured before using it.

You can also consider checking the ingredients of Danish oil. If it says raw linseed oil and pure tung oil, then it is good to go. But you have to make sure that you are applying on bare wood.

Lastly, make sure to properly dry out the oil rags before throwing them out. If it is kept wet outside, it might react to the atmospheric environment and catch fire. Hope this helps you!