Hey everyone, I'm in the process of making a couple of cutting boards from butcher block and could really use some advice on how to finish them. I usually go for Danish oil, but I've heard that mineral oil is the way to go for food prep surfaces. Are there any significant differences between these finishes? Also, does the fact that my butcher block is birch affect my choice? Thanks in advance!
2 Answers
When it comes to cutting boards, you need a finish that is both food-safe and won’t chip away. Pure tung oil, mineral oil, and a mix of mineral oil with beeswax are all solid options. I personally use the mineral oil and beeswax blend since it’s quick to apply and you can start using the board right after. On the other hand, tung oil is durable but has a long curing time, which means you have to wait before using your board.
A mixture of mineral oil and wax is basically the go-to standard for cutting boards. There are plenty of guides online about how to whip up the best board butter. Plus, buying enough for several boards won’t break the bank. Check out sites like walrusoil.com for some good options!
Or you could just grab some food-grade mineral oil from a pharmacy and a chunk of pure beeswax from an apiary supply store to make your own blend. It’s way cheaper, and you can adjust the ratio to suit your preferences!