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Taking Care of Your Wood Piece

Welcome to our wood care guide! Use the tabs below to find detailed instructions on how to properly maintain your finished wood piece based on its type and finish.

Butcher Blocks: Mineral Oil/Conditioner

Your butcher block has been finished with food-grade mineral oil and conditioner. Here's how to maintain it:

Step 1: Clean the surface after each use with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid soaking the wood, as excess water can cause warping.

Step 2: Dry thoroughly with a clean towel to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood.

Step 3: Every 4-6 weeks, apply a thin layer of food-grade mineral oil or wood conditioner using a soft cloth. Spread evenly across the surface, ensuring full coverage.

Step 4: Allow the oil to soak in for 4-6 hours, then wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.

Tip: If the surface feels dry or looks dull, reapply oil as needed. Avoid using vegetable oils, as they can turn rancid over time.

Care & Maintenance Instructions

  1. Varnique is a beautiful semi-gloss finish. To clean spills or soiled areas, use a clean damp cloth to wipe the surface, then thoroughly wipe all surfaces with a clean dry towel. Please note that any spills should be cleaned up immediately. Excessive moisture or mildly acidic liquids that are allowed to stand on the surface can cause damage to the finish.

  2. Periodically, you should apply a coat of spray wax, paste wax, or lemon oil to the finished surface. This will enhance and protect the finish and ensure that a moisture barrier is intact in the event that the finish becomes scratched or worn.

  3. Minor scratches can be repaired by rubbing the affected area with fine steel wool or fine grit (#200) sandpaper. Remember, when rubbing or sanding, always sand with the grain. If the area needing repaired is located along the edges, lightly sand the edges into the surrounding area. Remove all dust and apply a coat of any type of clear lacquer finish. The entire surface of the top will have to be refinished or the repair will be visible. Clear lacquer can be purchased at most paint or hardware stores. Small cans of matching touch up stain can be mixed and matched at most paint stores. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions on the product label when refinishing.

  4. If there are major scratches and gouges where large portions of wood have been removed or damaged, the repair should be handled by an experienced professional in furniture repair that is furnished with the appropriate tools and equipment.

  5. DO NOT cut on or into a varnique finished butcher block. Cuts in the finish should be resealed immediately to prevent the exposed wood from absorbing moisture. Varnique finishes can be spot sanded and finished with John Boos EZ-DO wipe-on poly gel.

Butcher Blocks: Natural Resin

Your butcher block has been finished with a natural resin polish. Follow these steps to keep it in pristine condition:

Step 1: Wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove debris after each use. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.

Step 2: Dry thoroughly with a clean towel to prevent water spots or damage.

Step 3: Every 6-12 months, apply a natural resin polish using a soft cloth. Work in small sections, ensuring even coverage.

Step 4: Allow the resin to cure for 24 hours before using the surface again.

Tip: Use trivets or coasters to protect the surface from hot pans or spills, which can damage the resin finish.

Butcher Blocks: Water-Based Polyurethane

Your butcher block has been finished with a water-based polyurethane coating. Here's how to care for it:

Step 1: Clean the surface with a damp cloth and mild detergent after each use. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.

Step 2: Dry thoroughly with a clean towel to prevent water damage.

Step 3: If the finish becomes worn or scratched, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit) and reapply a thin coat of water-based polyurethane. Allow it to dry completely before use.

Tip: Use coasters or trivets to protect the finish from heat and moisture, which can cause peeling or discoloration.

Cutting Boards

Your cutting board is unfinished and requires initial treatment with mineral oil and conditioner. Here's how to care for it:

Initial Treatment:

  • Apply a generous amount of food-grade mineral oil to the entire surface using a soft cloth. Ensure all sides and edges are coated.
  • Let the oil soak in for 4-6 hours, then wipe off any excess.
  • Repeat this process 2-3 times over the course of a week to fully saturate the wood.

Ongoing Maintenance:

Step 1: Wash the cutting board with warm, soapy water after each use. Avoid soaking or placing it in the dishwasher.

Step 2: Dry thoroughly with a clean towel and store it upright in a dry, well-ventilated area.

Step 3: Every month, apply a thin layer of mineral oil or wood conditioner to keep the wood hydrated and prevent cracking.

Tip: If the board develops deep cuts or stains, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit) and reapply oil.