I'm looking for alternatives to mineral oil for finishing my cutting boards, specifically for casual home use. I've been using food grade mineral oil, melted pure beeswax, or a mix of both for my solid walnut boards, but I'm not a fan of how sloppy it is. The oil tends to stain things, beeswax tends to blush, and I find it requires constant maintenance. What are other practical options available?
4 Answers
You might want to try pure tung oil! Just make sure you get the 100% kind with no additives. It’s food-safe too, so it should work well for your needs.
I've had success with pure boiled linseed oil. Be careful with the brands—you want an all-natural one without metallic dryers. It's durable and doesn't need constant reapplication like mineral oil does.
Odie's Oil is fantastic! It's a bit pricey, but it lasts forever. Just apply a bit, let it sit, and buff it off. I use it for everything from cutting boards to furniture. Plus, it's food-safe!
I’ve used Walrus Oil for my cutting boards, and it works pretty well. And don’t worry, they say no walruses are harmed in the making of it!