Reviving an old cutting board is a straightforward process when you follow the proper cutting board care steps. Wooden cutting boards, after years of use, can develop deep knife marks, stains, and a lackluster appearance due to food residue and regular wear and tear. These signs of aging don’t mean it’s time to toss out your board. With the right techniques, you can restore your cutting board and make it look like new again, extending its life and maintaining its functionality.
For those new to woodworking, making cutting boards is a rewarding and beginner-friendly project. Cutting boards are relatively simple to create, making them ideal for honing your woodworking skills. They also make great gifts that friends and family will appreciate because they’re both practical and beautiful. Handmade cutting boards add a personal touch to the kitchen, and with the right cutting board care, they can last for many years.
If you refinish a cutting board be sure to post a picture of it over on the WoodLogger Facebook Page. I’d love to see how yours turns out.
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Items I Used
- Sandpaper: 60, 100, 220 Grits
- Butcher Block Conditioner and Cutting Board Oil
Care Steps
 | This is a before picture of a cutting board I made several years ago. It’s a little tough to see in the picture but it has many knife marks and some staining. I did the below steps to bring this board back to life. |
  | Start by sanding the board with coarse-grit sandpaper (around 60 grit) to remove scratches and stains. Work in the direction of the wood grain, and gradually switch to finer sandpaper (up to 220 grit) for a smooth finish. Wipe away the dust with a damp cloth and let the board dry completely. |
  | Next, apply a generous coat of food-grade mineral oil or cutting board oil. Let the oil soak in for a few hours, or even overnight, to deeply hydrate the wood. Wipe off any excess with a clean cloth. |
  | To seal the surface and add a protective layer, use a food-safe cutting board wax. Rub the wax onto the board, let it sit for 20-30 minutes, then buff it to a nice shine. |
 | With proper cutting board care, you can easily rejuvenate an old board, extending its life and keeping it functional for years to come. |