Replies

1. 
   DaveinPa | Jan 27, 2006 05:39pm | #1

   I have done cutting boards before and have used mineral oil or walnut oil. Mineral oil you can get at a CVS or Rite-Aid drug store or food store. Walnut oil on the other hand you have to go to a food store, cost twice as much as mineral oil and I have been told by members here it will go rancid if not broken down and re-coated.

1. 
   BCurtis | Jan 27, 2006 06:17pm | #2

   Hi Dave

   Is mineral oil the same as tung oil? Also will mineral oil change the color of the wood?

   How many coats would you suggest?

   Thanks BCurtis

1. 
   DaveinPa | Feb 02, 2006 05:47pm | #7

   Sorry not to get back to you sooner. Tung oil is extracted from a nut and you can get that at Home Depot or Lowe's under the Formby name. It would be in the paint deptartment. As for mineral oil I have no idea how that is made as I never really inquires, You know, you just take it for granted.

   Dave

1. 
   BCurtis | Feb 02, 2006 06:05pm | #8

   Hi Dave

   Thanks for the info. Not sure which way I want to go yet, but am leaning toward the mineral oil.

   Thanks

   BC

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Feb 02, 2006 10:39pm | #9

   Formby's Tung Oil Finish is not tung oil.  It is a thinned wiping varnish and says so right on the label.  It contains no tung oil.  It is a faux tung oil product that gives a finish that "looks" like a tung oil finish. 

   If the label does not say "100%" or "pure", it's not a real tung oil.Howie.........

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Jan 27, 2006 07:24pm | #3

   The traditional and most used treatment for cutting boards and butcher blocks is mineral oil or a mineral oil/paraffin mixture.  It is completely non-toxic.

   The mineral oil/paraffin treatment is more long lasting.  Heat the mineral oil in a double boiler and sort of carve in slivers of paraffin.  The ratio is about 6-8 parts mineral oil to one part paraffin--accuracy is not required.  While still warm, apply the mixture heavily.  Let set overnight and do it again the next day.  Let it again set overnight, lightly scrape off any residue and buff with a soft cloth.  Re-treat whenever the wood looks dry.

   Of course, never put a cutting board in a dishwasher and minimize dunking it in hot water.

   Finally, the above treatment will only very slightly change the color of the wood.  Try it on some scrap first if you have any concerns.

   Howie.........
1. 
   BCurtis | Jan 27, 2006 08:03pm | #4

   Howie

   Thanks for the info! Were can I get parafin wax? Also should the mineral oil parafin mixture be brushed on or wiped on?

   Thanks

   BCurtis

1. 
   Gretchen | Jan 27, 2006 09:13pm | #5

   You can get paraffin in the supermarket where the canning supplies are sold. Or a hardware store.Gretchen

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Jan 28, 2006 07:17pm | #6

   Just get a cheap "throwaway" brush and brush it on heavily.Howie.........

3. 
   dchyatt | Feb 03, 2006 02:35am | #10

   Why put any type of finish on a cutting board? I have made many cutting boards from hard maple and leave them unfinished and have not had any problems as a result. Any finish that you put on a board will likely soon be cut through as you use the board. I use Titebond II or III and clean the boards with dishwashing detergent and water as needed.

1. 
   BCurtis | Feb 03, 2006 04:54pm | #11

   Hi

   Doesn't the water cause the boards to expand and contract? That will lead to a warped board right? I understand that if you cut the board you will be letting in moisture through that cut, but that has a considerably smaller surface area for moisture to get in.

   I have not finished it yet and I really like the look know, but am concerned with moisture warping the board. What do you think?

   BC

1. 
   dchyatt | Feb 04, 2006 03:10am | #12

   Hi BC:

   I haven't had any problems with warping. I use quarter-sawn material as that is more stable and glue up pieces an inch or two in width and 3/4" to an inch in thickness. After using the cutting board I scrub it with a dishrag or scrub pad but don't soak it in water. I also use both sides of the board. Someone did a study a few years ago and found that wood is naturally antiseptic and is more hygenic than plastic cuttingboards. I would say that if you like the look of your unfinished board then leave it and try it for a few months.

4. 
   Ricks503 | Feb 06, 2006 12:11am | #13

   I usually just use Mineral oil. Lasts almost as well as the Mineral oil and parrafin mix without the hassle of making it.

   Make sure not to put the board in the dishwasher.

   Once a month, make a small dilute mix of bleach and water (1tsp bleach per qt of water) and wipe the board down once a month (helps to kill any lingering bacteria) and then dry and finally wipe down with mineral oil.

   1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go        4 - get a new board and go back to step 1