What Kind of Finish Can I Use on a Cutting Board?

Finish your cutting board to prevent bacteria from growing on the cutting board.

Before using your new cutting board, you will want to apply a finish. The finish will prevent food stains, protect the wood and keep the it from absorbing any liquid. Many finishes are available at your local grocery stores. You will want to use food-grade oils, but avoid using cooking or vegetable oils. These oils will quickly become rancid. Instead, use almond, coconut or mineral oil on your cutting board.

Almond Oil

Almond oil is an all-natural oil that will not turn rancid as quickly as other oils after applying it to your cutting board. You can find almond oil at groceries stores. Almond and any other nut-based oil such as walnut should not be used if anyone you know has a nut allergy.

Coconut Oil

Food-grade coconut oil can be used to finish cutting boards. It will not be come rancid like other oils. Additionally, food-grade coconut butter can be used if you are unable to find the oil at your local grocery store.

Mineral Oil

Use USP-grade mineral oil, which has met the standards of the United States Pharmacopeial Convention. The organization sets standards for medicine and food. Unlike other oils, mineral oil will never turn rancid. Many products that are labeled for use on cutting boards likely contain mineral oil.

Beeswax

Beeswax protects your cutting board from water and gives it a smooth finish. However, beeswax isn't applied to a cutting board by itself. Instead, shave 1/2 teaspoon beeswax into a cup of any oil. Heat the oil and wax in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Apply the mixture while it is still warm. If you want to use beeswax as a top coat, use a clean cloth to apply it to the cutting board after the oil. Allow some time for the beeswax to dry and then buff the board with a clean cloth.

Application

Regardless of what finish you select, the application process remains the same. Heat the oil. You want it warm, not boiling. Use a clean, soft cloth to apply the oil to the board. Move with the grain as you rub the oil into the cutting board. You will want to apply four or five coats. Don't worry, you can never add too much oil. There should be four or six hours between each coat. Wipe excess oil off with a clean, dry cloth. After six hours, the oil will start to harden, which can make it difficult to remove.

References

• What's Cooking America: Cutting Boards, Chopping Blocks, Butcher Blocks
• The United States Pharmacopeial Convention: Home