How to Cure a Butcher Block Top

A butcher block cutting board, counter or tabletop can be a prized possession of any cook. Easy to care for, a butcher block top will last for generations and take a lot of abuse before it wears out. Before using your butcher block top for the first time, it will need to be cured with oil in order to seal up the pores of the wood. This will keep meat juices, water and other liquids from seeping into the wood of the butcher block. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Use a soft cloth dipped in mineral spirits to wipe the butcher block top clean. This will remove any dust or grime that may be on the surface.

2

Dip a second clean cloth into the mineral oil and apply to the butcher block in long, even strokes following the grain.

3

Continue to apply oil until the oil is no longer absorbed by the butcher block and remains on the surface of the wood.

4

Let the oil soaked butcher block sit for 6 hours or overnight. Wipe away the excess oil and let the block top sit for another 8 hours.

5

Reapply the oil, working with the grain on the third day. Let it sit for 6 hours and then wipe away the excess.

6

Repeat the process every other day for at least a week. The more coats of oil you work into the butcher block, the more seasoned the wood will become.