Household wooden pallets are primarily used for serving food, storing teaware, and displaying home decorations. They need to be aesthetically pleasing, durable, stain-resistant, and safe for food contact. Different surface treatments directly determine the pallet's user experience, lifespan, and applicable scenarios, making them a crucial step in the manufacturing process.
Wood wax oil treatment is currently the most mainstream treatment for household wooden pallets. Wood wax oil penetrates the wood without forming a thick film on the surface, preserving the original wood grain and texture. It offers some water and stain resistance; food-grade wood wax oil can directly contact bread, fruit, and cooked food with high safety. This treatment is easy to repair; minor scratches can be touched up locally. The disadvantage is that its protective ability is limited, and it is not suitable for prolonged immersion in water.
Clear varnish spraying is also a common option. Transparent varnish forms a dense protective film on the wood surface, providing enhanced water and oil resistance, wear resistance, and easy daily cleaning. Varnishes can be divided into water-based and oil-based varnishes. Water-based varnishes have a lower odor and are more environmentally friendly, making them suitable for household products. Oil-based varnishes have a higher film hardness but a stronger odor; food contact varnishes must use compliant raw materials. Varnished trays have a smooth surface, which weakens the feel of the natural wood.
Wooden trays can also be coated with a boiled oil process, primarily using food-grade mineral oil and olive oil. This treatment is often used for wooden dining trays, penetrating and nourishing the wood to prevent cracking. The protective effect is basic, requiring regular oiling maintenance. It is suitable for dry environments but not for frequent contact with soups.
Staining processes are often used in conjunction with wood wax oil or varnish. Water-based dyes are used to color the wood, creating various shades such as walnut and oak while preserving the wood grain, enhancing the product's appearance and adapting to different home décor styles. A protective coating must be applied after staining; otherwise, the color is prone to fading and food staining.
In addition, there is the carbonization process. High-temperature carbonization carbonizes the surface of the wood, resulting in a vintage dark effect and also providing insect repellent. Carbonization is typically followed by the application of wood wax oil to enhance overall protective properties.
When choosing a process, companies need to consider their product positioning. Food-contact trays should prioritize food-grade wood wax oil or water-based varnish; trays intended solely for display or storage of decorative items offer more flexibility in process selection. Appropriate surface treatments can highlight the natural texture of the wood and improve the durability of household wooden trays, meeting consumers' home use needs.