What do I have to do to wood to use as a cutting board or counter top?
by
Liza Wheels
Suggested Project Book
I've made and use cutting boards every day with absolutely no sealer on them, but mineral oil is recommended.
You don't need to do anything to the surface of the countertop either but it would be wise to use a non-toxic penetrating sealer, like Waterlox, and build up a lot of coats until you see a sheen. Then recoat every time it starts to look a little dull or scuffed.
You can purchase a butcherblock oil finish. Check out Watco
They have found that you can't get wood clean enough and you risk food poisoning, so it would be wiser not to use wooden cutting boards. Yes, I know, people have used them for years, but we didn't know then that there is no such thing as a 24-hour flu and what was really happening was a light case of food poisoning. Ahemmmm.....