Cutting boards provide a handy place to slice vegetables and carve meats — plus, they protect your countertops, maintain food hygiene and add charm to your kitchen. Over time, however, they start showing signs of wear. A rough or dried-out cutting board looks bad, traps bacteria and shortens the lifespan of the wood. Fortunately, you can refinish a cutting board with just a little time and a few basic supplies — no woodworking experience required.
Cutting Board Oil by the Real Milk Paint Co. offers a reliable, plant-based option for protecting and conditioning these essential kitchen surfaces. Made with all-natural ingredients and no synthetics, additives or solvents, this food-safe finish is as easy to use as it is effective in extending the service life of the work surface. Whether tackling your first refinishing project or updating a block you’ve had for years, this post walks you through the refinishing process.
What You’ll Need to Refinish a Cutting Board
Before you get started, gather a few simple tools and supplies. First, grab a clean cloth or a few paper towels to apply the oil and remove it when it’s time, or opt for an applicator pad. Keep mild dish soap and warm water on hand to remove surface grime and old residue during initial cleaning, and make sure you have sandpaper ready to smooth out scratches and open the wood grain for deeper penetration. Start with a medium-grit sandpaper like 120 to 150, and refine the surface by following up with a finer grit — something in the 220 to 320 range.
Of course, the star of the show when you’re refinishing a cutting board is our Cutting Board Oil. Specially formulated for food-contact surfaces, our formulation contains natural oils for smooth application and a pleasant smell while you work. This oil works better at room temperature, so you may need to move it from cooler areas like your pantry or garage to warm up before you start the application process. If you prefer not to work directly with your hands, you can wear gloves while you apply this plant-based oil to your cutting or charcuterie board.
Step-by-Step: How to Refinish a Cutting Board
Ready to bring your cutting board or butcher block back to life? From knife marks to dry wood and worn-out surfaces, these simple instructions help you clean it up, smooth it out and protect it for everyday use — all with tools and materials you probably already have on hand.
Step 1: Clean and Inspect the Board
Start by washing the entire board with warm water and mild soap. Give both sides a good scrub to remove any food residue or lingering smells, rinse it off and then dry it completely, as leftover moisture can interfere with sanding and oiling. Next, look closely at the surface to see if it has deep cracks, cuts or gouges, and touch it to see if it feels rough. If you find these issues or the board has significant wear, it may need extra sanding and repairs. Surfaces with just basic wear and surface dryness typically only require light sanding and oiling.
Step 2: Sand the Surface
Begin sanding with medium-grit sandpaper, following the grain of the wood — sanding against it can lead to hard-to-remove scratches. Use even pressure and go over the surface until it feels smoother and knife marks look softer. Next, switch to fine-grit sandpaper for a polished look or to smooth down a rough board. You can also gently round off sharp edges or corners to give your cutting board a more finished feel and appealing appearance. Once you finish sanding, brush off the dust and wipe the surface with a lint-free rag.
Step 3: Apply the Oil
Before you apply Cutting Board Oil, shake the bottle to mix the ingredients well. Next, pour a small amount directly on the board — just enough to lightly coat the surface — then work the oil into the wood with smooth circular motions using a lint-free rag or applicator pad. Pay extra attention to the end grain and any dry or thirsty-looking spots. These areas tend to soak up more oil and benefit from extra attention. Leave the oil for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the wood to completely absorb it, leaving it on longer if you feel the surface needs deeper treatment. When time’s up, use a clean cloth to wipe away the excess oil.
Looking for a simple, plant-based solution to care for your kitchen wood? Explore our environmentally safe alternative to mineral oil.
Why Choose Real Milk Paint’s Plant-Based Oil?
Trust matters when it comes to kitchen tools, and that’s why we craft our Cutting Board Oil from carefully selected plant-based ingredients. The oil works hard to restore your wood surface without relying on synthetic chemicals for a safer house and kitchen.
Clean Ingredients With a Purpose
Cutting Board Oil contains palm fruit oil, refined almond oil, rice bran wax, hemp floral wax and grapefruit seed oil — each chosen for its conditioning properties and compatibility with wood surfaces. This oil blend contains no artificial fragrances, solvents or preservatives, making it an environmentally friendly choice, and its certified plant-based formula is completely safe for items that come into direct contact with food for added peace of mind in your kitchen.
Designed for Everyday Kitchen Use
Because it penetrates wood deeply, this oil helps prevent cracking and drying — two common reasons boards wear out early. The formula leaves behind a soft, low-luster finish that feels hand-rubbed and natural, making it more pleasant to use while preparing food. Plus, it’s shelf-stable and resists going rancid, so it stays fresh during storage.
How to Keep Your Cutting Board Looking Great
Once you’ve refinished your cutting board, it doesn’t take much to keep it in great shape. Use these tips to keep your butcher block or board looking and functioning at its best.
Reapplying the Oil as Needed
When your board or block starts looking dull or stops repelling water, reapply this food-safe finish. Boards used daily may need oiling once a month, while surfaces that see only occasional use may only need reapplication once or twice a year. Wipe on a new coat when you feel it needs it, but don’t worry about sanding it between applications.
Cleaning Tips
For routine cleaning, use mild dish soap and warm water. Don’t soak the board or run it through the dishwasher, as too much water can cause it to warp or crack. Always let the board dry completely before using it again or applying more oil to minimize moisture.
Have questions about maintenance or ingredients? Contact our team here — we’re happy to help.
Bring New Life to Your Cutting Board — Naturally
Refinishing your cutting board might be a small project, but it brings big rewards. It helps extend the life of a daily tool, improves food safety and keeps your kitchen tidy. Using a plant-based, food-safe oil also helps you keep your space greener, making it a smart, sustainable choice for your kitchen.
Refinishing your cutting board is easier than you think — and our plant-based oil makes it even better. Shop now and give your favorite kitchen tools the care they deserve.
