Tips for Preserving the Beauty of Your Product
Your item will be well-prepared and cared for before it arrives. We use three to four different grits of sandpaper to create a smooth finish. If you ever want to resurface your item because of liquid damage, cup rings, scratches from cutting, or small dents, follow the steps below.
We start by sanding the wood with coarse sandpaper like 60, 80, or 120 grit. This makes the surface flat. Then, we use finer sandpaper, such as 150, 180, or 240 grit, to improve the finish. After sanding, we lightly spray or sprinkle water on the surface to "pop" the wood grain. This means opening the wood pores so the oil can soak in better. Sanding closes the grain and can trap sawdust, making it harder for the oil to work. After popping the grain, we use a very fine sandpaper, around 400 grit, for a smooth finish. Now, your item is ready for oiling.
Oiling your items
Oil penetrates hardwood deeply, protecting and enhancing its look. We believe oiling, especially for chopping boards, is better than varnish or lacquer. We apply three coats of oil to boost durability, but you need to maintain it by re-oiling to keep it looking great. With regular use, chopping boards can lose their shine and appear dull. Reapplying oil brings back its life. There are various oils and waxes available, each with unique benefits. We've selected some popular options to help you choose the right one.
Danish Oil is a staple of ours. When applied to surfaces it cures to a hard satin finish that resists liquid extremely well. We use Danish Oil specifically because it is manufactured by mixing Tung Oil and Linseed Oil which each have fantastic qualities.
Tung Oil, is made by pressing the seed from the Tung tree, a tree found in China, Africa and some South American countries. It used mostly for finishing items.
Linseed Oil, also known as Flaxseed Oil, is extracted from the seeds of the flax plant. Linseed Oil is boiled, which removes impurities and helps it to dry faster.
Mineral Oil enriched with Vitamin E is a food grade safety oil which protects, maintains and restores wood.
Coconut Oil, which is found in our board butter, is a natural oil which doesn’t come with a handful of dyes additives like other oils on the market. It is perfect for protecting your boards.
Pour a small amount of your chosen oil onto the item and use a lint-free cotton cloth, like a microfibre cloth, to spread it evenly across the surface. If the cloth feels rough or dry while applying, add more oil. After covering the surface, wait 1-2 minutes and wipe off any excess oil with the same cloth. After 1-2 hours, apply a second coat of oil and let it dry for at least 8-12 hours before using the product again.
Cleaning
Taking care of the wood especially your chopping boards are simple. Use a warm and damp soapy cloth and pass over the surface of the item.
DOs and DON’Ts
Do not leave liquid sitting on the boards for large amounts of time. Any water spills need to be wiped as soon as possible. The finishing oil applied to the board, makes the wood water-resistant but does not make it waterproof.
Do not wash the board in a dishwasher, this will cause extreme damage to the item, including splitting.
Do not place extremely hot items like pans on the surface of the item, this may lead to black staining of the wood, caused by natural chemicals in the wood reacting to the metal.
Place your chopping boards on a flat surface to dry after cleaning, do not leave it on its side.
Do take care of your items with oiling at regular intervals throughout the year, to maintain its aesthetics.
Do enjoy using your item!