DIY: Refinishing a Wood Cutting Board

I love kitchenware that goes directly from the kitchen to the table. One of the most versatile materials which falls under the kitchen-to-table category is wood.  Whether it’s for a snack of cheese and crackers or a classic Caesar salad, the durability and beauty of wood makes it the perfect platform for casual living. Refinishing a seemingly worn out or broken wooden cutting board is a fun and rewarding project to strengthen your refinishing skills with a big payback for your efforts.

Frugal vintage projects such as refinishing a wooden salad bowl or cutting board are cost effective and are recycling at its best!  A cutting board is the perfect first project and these are all the skills you’ll need for larger projects! Let’s begin with finish options: 

Finishes for Wood Cutting Boards and Wood Bowls

For a first-timer, selecting a finish for your project can seem a little daunting.  With a little basic information making the right choice for your lifestyle and project is easy.  The purpose of the finish is not only to protect the wood from unsightly damage but also makes it easier to clean and keep sanitary.  Cracks and checks (lengthwise separation of the wood fibers), are not only unsightly, they undermine the structural integrity of wooden kitchenware by providing a place for bacteria to hide and reproduce. The finish you choose and properly maintaining that finish will reduce the damaging effects of washing with soap and water, lengthen the life and protect the beauty of the wood.

Oil 101

Drying Oils – Linseed Oil, Boiled Linseed Oil, and Tung Oil

• Drying Oils are absorbed into the wood and once dry harden the material.  They are also considered sealers and reduce water absorption and make the wood resistant to scratches.  They are more time consuming to use (requiring overnight to dry between each application) but provide the best protection.  However, they are most expensive option and purchasing small amounts for a project of this size can be difficult.

Non-drying Oils – Mineral Oil, Olive Oil and Walnut Oil

• Non-drying oils simply penetrate the wood, keep it hydrated and provide protection against damage by soap and water cleaning.  They require less time between coats and can easily be retreated, but do not deliver the complete protection that Drying Oils provide.
• Additionally, nondrying oils vegetable can become rancid over time (resulting in an unpleasant odor and taste to anything in which it comes into contact).  In my opinion, nondrying vegetable oils aren’t the best option for items which won’t be used, cleaned and retreated on a regular basis.  Having said that, I have and continue to use the highest quality extra virgin Olive Oil to season salad bowls without incident.  It is important to note Walnut oil is recommended by many manufacturers and wood artisans and should be used when suggested by the manufacturer or artist.

Wax - Paraffin Wax and Bee’s Wax

• While I’ve never used paraffin wax to finish anything, according to the Department of Agriculture article “The Finish Line”, it is one of the simplest ways to finish wood countertops, butcher blocks and cutting boards.  Application instructions from the article state to apply by brushing melted paraffin wax (the type used in home canning, utilizing a double-boiler to melt) onto the wood surface and allow it to be absorbed into the wood.  The excess wax is then scraped off prior to use.
• Bee’s wax is also a fairly expensive option but works well, gives a beautiful patina and can be used after using Tung Oil finish.  Two coats are recommended.  Apply a small amount of Bee’s Wax wood finish by hand or with a soft cloth.  Allow to dry, then buff with a clean soft cloth to a beautiful Bee’s Wax luster.  Apply additional coats of Bee’s Wax as needed.

Things You’ll Need

• Sandpaper in 100, 150 and 220 grits (You can easily find combination packages of sanding paper at any home and garden or hardware store.)  Sanding grits close to these will work just fine for a project like this.
• Sanding block
• Clean soft cloth
• Wood putty (If repairs are necessary.)  There are two part epoxy putties which come in wood colors which will saved the step of staining.  Just follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Putty knife (If repairs are necessary.)
• Finishing supplies – Food Grade Mineral Oil

Prep Work

Thoroughly clean the cutting board with soapy water and allow it to completely dry; preferably overnight.  If any gluing is required this should be done prior to cleaning.

Make sure to sand with the grain of the wood.

Step 1 - Sanding

For this project I will be hand sanding using a small sanding block.  It almost eliminates the possibility of chatter marks and frankly is more enjoyable to me.  The first step in sanding is the use the 100 grit sandpaper to remove any deep cuts in the board.  Place your board flat on a solid level surface and make sure you are using even pressure and long strokes sanding with the grain of the wood.  Do not be over zealous with this step as this grit sandpaper will quickly consume the wood. 

When most of the scratches, deep cuts and any stains have been sanded off; inspect your cutting board both visually and by running your hand over the surface to make sure the surface is level. Repeat the process with the 150 grit sandpaper and, this time, sand the sides of the board by hand if necessary (again working with the grain in smooth strokes).  Once you have completed these steps rinse the board with water and allow it to completely dry.  This is the time you’ll repair any nicks if necessary.  If your piece doesn’t have any nicks proceed to Step 3.

First sanding with 100 grit sandpaper complete.

Step 2 - Repairing

This is the point where you’ll fill any chips, nicks or cracks with wood putty.  Use the putty knife to remove any excess putty and smooth the edges.  Allow the putty to harden according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Sanding complete.  You will see I couldn't get all the deep cut marks out.

Step 3 – Final Sanding

Sand the entire cutting board with the 220 or 240 grit sandpaper to for the smoothest finish.  Thoroughly rinse with running water and dry completely.  Please don’t skip this important step as wood dust residue in the finish will dull your knives!

Step 4 – Apply the Finish

I suggest at least three coats of food grade Mineral Oil but four or five would be better. Liberally apply the Mineral Oil with a soft clean cloth stroking with the grain and allow it soak in for at least 20 minutes or until the board begins to look dry and thirsty.  Reapply coats until the board looks as if it won’t absorb any more oil.  At this point you can remove any excess oil or allow it to stand overnight (preferred) and then remove any excess.

Make sure to rub the finish with the grain of the wood.

Step 5 - Monthly Care

Isn't she a beauty?

I recommend an application of mineral oil after every washing for at least the first four washings.  Then you’ll be able to tell when your board is thirsty and requires refreshing.  Boards which are used less frequently should be oiled at least once a month.

Now enjoy! A small bunch of grapes, cheese and crackers will taste so much better when served on your lovely “new” board!