To protect your cutting board, you have to apply oil to seal the surface of the hardwood. Squeeze a liberal amount of butcher block wood oil or food-grade mineral oil onto a cloth rag. Apply the oil to all sides of the wood by rubbing thoroughly. Reapply until the wood stops absorbing the oil.
Tutorial: Finishing a cutting board with Tung Oil. Our team at Ardec has a preference for Tung Oil finish because because it offers the most cost-effective, resistant and most durable solution when compared to other alternatives, while being easy to apply. It does not contain any additive or siccative (drying) agents.
For items like cutting boards, choose oil finishes instead of film finishes that have a chance of cracking. Mineral oil, also known as liquid paraffin and butcher's block finish, is easy to apply. It has lower water resistance and requires reapplication more frequently.
Wax Finishes: Wax finishes provide a natural-looking finish without adding much gloss or shine to the wood. 4. Shellac Finish: Shellac is a versatile natural finish that enhances the beauty of walnut with its warm amber hue.
One of the most effective butcher block sealers available on the market is Waterlox®. Waterlox® is a high-grade Tung oil and resin blend with a water-resistant finish that we've been recommending to our customers for years.
Mineral oil for cutting boards is the best option to care for your wood cutting board and make sure it doesn't absorb water. Just be sure to choose a mineral oil that is labelled as food-safe or food-grade.
Sealing Butcher Block Countertops with Mineral Oil
To seal butcher block with mineral oil, you simply apply the mineral oil generously, let it soak in, and wipe off the excess. You need to do it fairly regularly at first but then only about once a month after you've gotten through several applications.
Similarly, walnut is another hardwood that's an excellent choice in the kitchen. Its dark color is one of its main appeals, and although it's softer than maple it will still hold up well over time. Walnut falls in the “just right” category of hardness that's perfect for both board and knife maintenance.
Walnut is one of the best woods for cutting boards. It has microbial properties that make it a healthy, safe wooden board to have in the kitchen. Is Walnut toxic for cutting boards? No, walnut is a non-toxic wood for cutting boards.
It's not necessary to let the wax soak into the board. We recommended you oil your cutting board every month or when dry to the touch. Board cream should be applied at the same time as oiling.
What Are The Basics of Getting a Fantastic Wood Finish? The solid walnut top, above, is a slightly different story. I finished it with just a hand-rubbed tung oil varnish, applying 8 coats to protect the top surface while giving the walnut a gorgeous, natural warm glow, too.
To make wood waterproof naturally, use either polymerized linseed oil or tung oil, which are the two best natural wood waterproofing products. Refined hemp oil and walnut oil can also be used, but you will have to apply a repeat coat more quickly.
1 - The Walnut End Grain Butcher Block
Walnut has a tight grain structure that separates under sharp knives and then closes back up soon after. In this way, it's less dulling to your carving set and sturdy for durability.
Dark Walnut stains look great with other dark colors, like plums, blues, greens, and dark reds. Alternatively, lighter colors like off-white, light grays, and other neutral shades can pleasantly contrast the eyes. Don't be afraid to mix different shades of stained wood and different types of wood in a room.
Moreover, stains tend to wash out the grain, removing bits of character. For this reason, a natural walnut wood product is rarely stained. Instead, walnut furniture tends to get a clear coat finish; either of some type of varnish, wax, oil, or lacquer.
Use food-safe mineral oil or coconut oil. Don't: Oil your cutting board with vegetable oil. It can go rancid. Do: Clean your wooden cutting board with mild dish soap and warm water.
For best results, use Cutting Board Oil to “season” the wood before using Wax-It-All or Butcher Block Conditioner. To properly "season" new wood surfaces, apply at least 2 coats and let each coat soak in for at least an hour.