Reply by LesB

I would use a salad bowl finish from Behlen’s or General. You can wipe it on with a high quality paper towel or cloth. It drys quickly so several coats can be put on in a day. I have used it for salad bowls and trays and it has stood up to years of use with all kinds of liquids. I believe it is a catalyzed lacquer. If you store it for very long after opening the can it will worm a scum on the surface so decant it into a smaller container or use nitrogen to displace the air in the can.

-- Les B, Oregon