If you have purchased a wooden cutting board, you will need to apply a finish to prevent it from getting damaged.The first thing to do is choose your finish.There are two categories of cutting-board finishes: drying and non-drying.Only one application is required for drying oils to soak into the wood fibers.Repeated reapplication of non-drying finishes is necessary because they don't dry or harden in the wood.Plastic cutting boards don't need to be finished.
Step 1: Mineral oil is a popular finish.
Mineral oil can be applied to a wooden cutting board.This option is water resistant, meaning that juicy foods like tomatoes or raw meat won't leak fluids into your cutting boards.Mineral oil is safe to eat.It won't leave an aroma since it's a non-drying oil.Mineral oil can be purchased at any kitchen or woodworking store.Large grocery stores sell mineral oil.
Step 2: For an attractive finish, apply a mixture of beeswax and non-drying oil.
A liquid mixture of beeswax and oil soaks into the woodgrain.It makes the wood look attractive and repels water, which is beneficial to your cutting board.Like other non-drying oils, it will require frequent reapplication.You don't have to mix it yourself.Most of the time, the mixture of oil and beeswax is sold in woodworking stores and catalogs.
Step 3: Carnauba wax has a stiff, water-repelling finish.
The texture of carnauba wax is similar to beeswax, but the wax itself dries harder and is better at repelling liquids.Carnauba wax is blended with oil.Carnauba wax is the best choice if you are going to cut a lot of water-requiring foods on the cutting board.It may be difficult to find carnauba wax.Take a look at woodworking stores.You can order the wax from the website if they don't stock it.
Step 4: The cutting board should be finished with pure tung oil.
There is a thick substance in the wood called tung oil.This will make the cutting board water resistant.Tung oil doesn't need to be re-applied frequently.Most woodworking stores and online woodworking catalogs carry tung oil.
Step 5: For a cheap finish, choose raw linseed oil.
Linseed oil is an FDA-approved food Additive, meaning that it is among the safest finishes you can put on a cutting board.linseed oil can be purchased at any woodworking or kitchen supply store.Many large supermarkets or home-supply stores will sell it.If you want to use the cutting board, you need to let linseed sit out for at least 5 days.Linseed oil has a few disadvantages.The cutting board needs to sit out for a few hours after you apply the oil because it takes a long time to set.Linseed oil is not very water resistant.It's never a good idea to apply boiled linseed to a cutting board.This oil is not safe for consumption.
Step 6: It's a good idea to use walnut oil for a protective finish.
A water-resistant coating will be provided by the finish of walnuts oil.The curing time is lengthy.You have to wait at least 4–5 days for the oil to dry.You can buy walnuts at any woodworking store or online catalog.The color of the wood you apply it to will be darkened by the dark walnuts oil.If you want your cutting board to be light or dark, this could be a positive aspect of using walnut oil.
Step 7: The cutting board needs to be washed.
The finishing touches on the cutting board should not be applied over food or dirt.Under the running tap water, rinse the board off.A small amount of dish soap and a clean sponge can be used to rub it down.Allow the board to dry for 30 minutes after you wash it.
Step 8: Rub a small amount of finish on each side of the board.
A small amount of finish should be put on a clean cotton rag.Rub the finish onto the cutting board using long horizontal strokes.There are no gaps in the finish if you cover the entire surface of the cutting board.Once the first side is done, turn the cutting board over and rub another 2 in (5 cm) onto the second side.
Step 9: Allow the finish to dry for a while.
Different types of oil take different lengths of time to dry.drying oils may take up to 7 days to dry completely, while non-drying oils will dry in 3–4 hours.When the finish is dry, you can see it by running your fingers over the wood.Your fingers will be clean if the finish is dry.If it is still wet, you will have an oily mess on your hands.While the cutting board is drying, leave it on your countertop or another safe place where it won't be disturbed by kids or pets.
Step 10: When the wood starts to look dry, apply non-drying oils.
Depending on how often you use the cutting board, the number of times you need to apply non-drying oils will vary.The finish needs to be reapplyed about once a month for most users.Mineral oil and wax are mixed with oils.If you don't apply non-drying finish, your cutting board will dry out and fluids from the foods you cut will penetrate the wood.You won't need to reapply the finish if you finish the cutting board with a drying oil.