Simple Question:
I recently purchased a new end-grain butcher block (larch), which I'm seasoning before initial use. The manufacturer already applied a base coat of mineral oil, so I'm currently treating the block with Boos Board Cream (mineral oil with beeswax, basically). To my knowledge, you typically apply one coat of mineral oil/conditioning cream per week for the first month, and then only once per month afterwards. I would like to know if I can speed the seasoning process by waiting only a day or two between applications. This would allow me to season the board in about two weeks, assuming 1-2 days between applications is sufficient for full absorption. Would this work, or should I follow received wisdom and wait at least one week before applying the second coat?
Complex Question:
On a separate note, I managed to secure a large, edge-grain cutting board (maple) that I'd like to refinish for use with raw meats. I suspect this cutting board was used in a professional kitchen; it has some serious signs of wear, and the dimensions are quite large (I'd estimate 22 x 14 x 4, ~25lbs). It has 3 wooden bars going through the centre for stability, the handles have been recessed into the board, and there's no feet (i.e., reversible). The internal stability bars preclude resizing the board, so I'd like to refinish it on all sides to remove the knife markings, stains, etc. That said, there is one section where the glue has separated ever so slightly, creating a 0.5-1mm gap on one side of the board. I'm not a carpenter or handyman, so I'm not sure how best to address this. Also, can I get by using an electric hand sander, or will that inevitable result in an uneven board?
Someone suggested that I use Salad Bowl Finish after sanding the board, which is apparently food safe after it has cured. That said, there's a bunch of conflicting info about whether or not this is advisable, even from the manufacturer. My initial plan was to cut the SBF by about 50% with mineral spirits, and then apply 3-4 coats, waiting 2 days between each coat to allow for absorption. I'd let it cure for about 2 weeks after the final coat, and then only use conditioning cream for general maintenance going forward. Does this sound kosher?
Apologies for the lengthy post, and thanks in advance for any tips/advice.
I recently purchased a new end-grain butcher block (larch), which I'm seasoning before initial use. The manufacturer already applied a base coat of mineral oil, so I'm currently treating the block with Boos Board Cream (mineral oil with beeswax, basically). To my knowledge, you typically apply one coat of mineral oil/conditioning cream per week for the first month, and then only once per month afterwards. I would like to know if I can speed the seasoning process by waiting only a day or two between applications. This would allow me to season the board in about two weeks, assuming 1-2 days between applications is sufficient for full absorption. Would this work, or should I follow received wisdom and wait at least one week before applying the second coat?
Complex Question:
On a separate note, I managed to secure a large, edge-grain cutting board (maple) that I'd like to refinish for use with raw meats. I suspect this cutting board was used in a professional kitchen; it has some serious signs of wear, and the dimensions are quite large (I'd estimate 22 x 14 x 4, ~25lbs). It has 3 wooden bars going through the centre for stability, the handles have been recessed into the board, and there's no feet (i.e., reversible). The internal stability bars preclude resizing the board, so I'd like to refinish it on all sides to remove the knife markings, stains, etc. That said, there is one section where the glue has separated ever so slightly, creating a 0.5-1mm gap on one side of the board. I'm not a carpenter or handyman, so I'm not sure how best to address this. Also, can I get by using an electric hand sander, or will that inevitable result in an uneven board?
Someone suggested that I use Salad Bowl Finish after sanding the board, which is apparently food safe after it has cured. That said, there's a bunch of conflicting info about whether or not this is advisable, even from the manufacturer. My initial plan was to cut the SBF by about 50% with mineral spirits, and then apply 3-4 coats, waiting 2 days between each coat to allow for absorption. I'd let it cure for about 2 weeks after the final coat, and then only use conditioning cream for general maintenance going forward. Does this sound kosher?
Apologies for the lengthy post, and thanks in advance for any tips/advice.
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