Refinishing a well-used wood cutting board will restore its beauty and functionality, allowing continued use for many years.
To begin the refinishing process, gather your supplies: a scrub brush, sandpaper (see below for grits), mild dish soap (such as Dawn), mineral oil or a food-safe board finish and several clean cloth rags.
Cleaning – Start by cleaning the board thoroughly with warm, soapy water and a scrub brush. Ensure all food particles and surface oils are removed, then dry it completely. Let the board sit until the wood is completely dry, usually about an hour.
Sanding – Once the board is clean and dry, place it on a stable surface for sanding. Sanding will create dust – so pick an appropriate area. Hand sanding can be used, preferably with a sanding block, but an orbital or vibrating sander will make the job easier. The level of damage to the board will determine what sandpaper you need. For deep cuts, start at 80-grit, for normal surface damage start with 120-grit – then go to 220-grit. If you want to get more shine go to 320-grit, beyond that is questionable, especially if you use a wax finish.
Starting with the lowest grit, gently sand the surface of the board in the direction of the grain, or on end-grain in a circular motion . This will eventually remove any scratches, stains or old finishes. Be sure to sand the entire surface evenly and avoid applying too much pressure, which can damage the wood. The goal is to keep the surface flat, so sand the less-damaged edges as much as the middle – you don’t want to develop a low spot in the middle of your board. The sandpaper may load-up with wax and become inefficient before you are done with a particular grit – if so, replace the paper with the same grit until you are done, then move up to the next – 80 to 120 to 220 to 320. Thoroughly dust the board between each grit. For the best results and shine, spritz the board with water after the 120-grit sanding, wipe clean and let dry thoroughly before moving to 220.
Finishing – After sanding, wipe the board with a clean dry cloth to remove all dust. Next, apply a generous amount of mineral oil or a food-safe cutting board finish to the surface. We recommend an oil-wax finish like our “Best Board Wax”. Using a clean cloth, rub the oil into the wood, allowing it to soak in for several hours or overnight. This step penetrates the wood and fills deep pores, creating a protective barrier against moisture, stains and bacteria.
Once the oil has been absorbed, wipe off any excess with a clean cloth. To maintain your refinished cutting board, reapply oil as needed. If you are not sure if your board needs oil, put a few drops of water on it. If the water beads, it is fine. If the water disperses or soaks in, the board needs oil. A newly refinished board may need oiling more frequently until the surface is fully saturated, check weekly for the first month. Eventually, it will go back to needing oil every few months. An oil-wax blend will need much less maintenance than oil alone. As always – avoid soaking or washing your cutting board in a dishwasher. With these steps, your wooden cutting board will be rejuvenated and ready for more culinary adventures.