Our Guide for Revitalizing your Board
Walnut and White Oak Charcuterie Board Pictured with White Oak and Walnut Coasters
Caring for your product is one of the best ways to make sure it continues to “wow” you each time you use it! As you continue to use your product, there will likely be signs of wear. The color may begin to fade and the surface may become dull, but don’t fear! Oiling your board is a simple way to bring it back to life! Here is our three step guide to keeping your oiled product beautiful and true to tone:
Clean your board! The first step is to thoroughly cleanse with soap and water. Wait for your board to dry completely before moving on.
Oil it! We recommend using food grade mineral oil, or a generic butcher block conditioning oil that you can find online or at your local hardware store. Wiping in circular motion can help the oil reach deeper into the grain.
Wipe it away! After giving your board a little while to absorb the oil, wipe the excess away. Allow the board to dry completely as the oil cures under the surface of the wood, protecting your product and rejuvenating it!
Done!
Here are a few answers to questions that may arise during this process:
If I have a charcuterie board, should I remove my handles first?
Totally up to you! We personally like removing handles to ensure the oil reaches every part of the board, but oil will not damage the handles, as long as you wipe the excess off. Our reason for removing handles is to make the process of applying the oil easier.
How do I get rid of unwanted scratches to the surface of my product?
In most cases, damage to the surface of a wooden product can be solved by using sandpaper. Using a medium grit sand paper (150 for a smooth finish – 220 for very smooth), wipe over the damaged surface following the grain of the wood while applying pressure. If you sand against the grain, the wood will develop an unwanted scratch pattern. The sand paper will get rid of almost any regular wear and tear, without giving you too much hassle. After sanding the damage away, oil the board with the same process as listed above, and your board will look good as new!
How often should I oil or condition my board?
You should oil your board whenever it looks dry or “thirsty”. This will be more necessary in the beginning, but your board will require it less and less over time.
Is oiling a necessity?
No! If you prefer a more faded tone or rugged look, you do not need to keep up with oiling. Wood is naturally antimicrobial, but we still recommend cleaning your wooden product well.
Is my board dishwasher safe?
No! Please never put any type of wood in the dishwasher. It will dry it out and can cause your board to twist or even develop fractures as it is heated through and dried.
We hope this guide serves you well!
– Corbin & Gillian
