a tale of two cutting boards

mr toad · September 2008

i have two large cuttings boards - one from the bge (18x18x2)made from acacia wood, end grains and a beautiful natural dark finish - the other is about the same size and cut from a long discarded butcher's block - i am in the process of bringing it back to life - repairing a small crack and sanding it smooth - do you have any suggestions on how i could safely darken the wood

thanks, mr toad

The Naked Whiz · September 2008

Well, hello there, Mr. Toad! Always good to hear from you!

I know of food-safe clear finish, but I've never seen a food-safe stain. Do you want to darken all the wood, meaning, edges too? The wacky idea that came into my head was to scorch the wood with a torch. Wood darkens nicely when you are ripping a board and it binds the blade, lol!

Also, what about soaking for a few weeks in strong coffee?

Big Papa · September 2008

Just oiling the cutting board will make it darker.

It will get darker every time you oil it .

Mineral oil

Rascal · September 2008

I agree in that the only thing I would apply is mineral oil which will darken the wood a tad while sealing it at the same time. Curious... why do you want to change the color?

fishlessman · September 2008

you could probably make a pretty interesting looking cutting board with the mapp torch. on bamboo flyrods they do that with a small flame which adds both color and temper.

Fidel · September 2008

Add me to the mineral oil only crowd. I would thin a stain or seal would cause problems over time.

I clean and oil my board once a week. Mine is end grain cherry and walnut and it looks better now than it did when I got it a couple years ago.

mr toad · September 2008

not a real serious reason - i just prefer a darker wood color - the board is now a light blond color

thanks - mr toad

Little Steven · September 2008

Mr. Toad,

You could brew up some real strong espresso coffee and reduce it. Tea would work the same way.

Steve

Cpt'n Cook · September 2008

Back in the 70s, man, we used to torch plywood like that. We even did some floors with like a checkerboard pattern. At the time it looked pretty good.

Clay Q · September 2008

Use Titebond III for gluing. It's waterproof and non-toxic.
I oil with General Finishes Butcher Block Oil. If ya got end grain on the cutting face the board will darken as soon as you hit it with the oil.
Cutting boards are fun to make.
Good luck with yours.

Bordello · September 2008

Nice work Clay. Looks like you're a good wood worker.

Regards,
Bordello

mr toad · September 2008

clay, very nice work - thanks for the info
toad

a tale of two cutting boards

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