Manufacturers use a variety of finishes to protect chopsticks from wear, water, and stains. Chopstick finishes preserve the beautiful art and designs, and help them last for many years of hard use. There are generally two types of finishes: plastic and natural.

Plastic Finishes

Plastic finishes are approved by the USDA as safe to use as coatings on eating utensils. They provide excellent protection for the chopsticks.

Polyester

Polyester is a harder finish with more abrasion resistance than Polyester Urethane, Urethane or Acrylic. Easier and less expensive than Polyester Urethane.

  • Easier and less expensive to apply
  • Good level of durability
  • Hard and very abrasion resistant
  • Less flexible and easier to crack

Urethane

A plastic finish that will keep your chopsticks protected for many years. It has excellent abrasion and chemical resistance.

  • Easier to apply
  • Excellent level of durability
  • Good abrasion resistance

Polyester Urethane

A plastic finish that will keep your chopsticks protected for many years. Polyester Urethane is more flexible than Polyester. It is more difficult and expensive than Polyester.

  • More expensive and difficult to apply
  • Excellent level of durability
  • Heat and stain resistant
  • Flexible and less likely to crack

Acrylic

Acrylic is a water-based finish that provides durable protection. It dries clear, unlike Urethane and Polyester finishes which add a golden hue to wood. Less resistant to abrasion, heat and chemicals than Urethane and Polyester.

  • Easy to and less expensive to apply, water-based
  • Flexible and less likely to crack
  • Good level of durability

Natural Finishes

Natural finishes offer an alternative to plastic-based finishes, and are approved by the USDA.

Urushi

Derived from the sap of the Japanese Sumac tree and has been used for several thousand years. A very durable all-natural finish that is chemical and heat resistant, but not UV resistant. Each layer of finish requires special curing at the right temperature and humidity, making the finish process difficult and time-consuming. Urushi is a premium finish and art form reserved for finer chopsticks. Urushi is a clear finish. Colored urushi finish is derived by adding minerals.

  • All-natural
  • Difficult and expensive to apply
  • Good level of durability
  • Heat, water and stain resistant

Beeswax

Beeswax is less durable than other finishes. It is not very waterproof and does not provide protection against stains. It requires reapplication to maintain a protective coating.

  • All-natural
  • Easy to apply
  • Low level of durability
  • Low level of stain resistance