Care & Finishes
Care is part of the craft. The finish you choose affects the look, feel, and durability of your board. Here’s how to keep it performing for years — and how to pick the right finish for your needs.
Finish Comparison: Choosing the Right Wood Care
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• Look & Feel: soft, clear, natural
• Water Resistance: low
• Reapplication: easy — weekly to monthly
• Best For: everyday kitchen boards, simple upkeep -
• Look & Feel: rich amber tone, smooth surface, light citrus scent
• Water Resistance: moderate to high
• Reapplication: every 4–6 weeks
• Best For: restaurant steak trays, upscale boards -
• Look & Feel: amber tone, slightly firmer surface
• Water Resistance: high (after full cure)
• Reapplication: slow — requires 1–3 month curing time
• Best For: heirloom boards or light commercial use
If you have a citrus allergy or prefer a neutral finish, select “Other” in the Finish dropdown and include your preference in the order notes.
A Note on Commercial Use
No natural finish is dishwasher-safe. Hand-wash only. Wipe promptly after service, never soak, and re-oil on a schedule.
Our Linseed + Beeswax + Citrus blend provides natural beauty with better water resistance and faster re-application between uses.
ArdentWood Finishing Line — Small-Batch, Food-Safe Products
Board Butter — Mineral Oil + Beeswax + Carnauba
Simple upkeep. Soft, clear look. Buffs quickly after use.
Linseed Citrus Conditioner — Refined Linseed + Beeswax + D-limonene
Warm amber tone, smoother hand feel, light natural aroma.
Pure Tung Oil Finish
Highest durability after full cure (1–3 months). Amber tone and firm surface. Ideal for heirloom or restaurant pieces.
Re-Oiling & Refresh Service
Keep your boards sealed and protected.
We offer cleaning, light sanding if needed, fresh oil, and a wax topcoat to extend the life of your ArdentWood pieces.
Available finishes:
• Standard (Mineral Oil + Beeswax)
• Linseed Citrus Blend
• Pure Tung Oil (longer turnaround time)
Care Guide
How to use it
• Wash by hand only — mild soap and warm water are plenty.
• Wipe both sides to keep moisture balanced.
• Dry upright so air circulates freely on all edges.
• Re-oil the surface when it looks pale, dry, or patchy.
• Avoid heat, soaking, or dishwashers — they’ll split the grain and ruin the finish.
Regular care keeps the wood stable and the surface smooth — it’s how your board earns its patina.
Our Finish
Each piece is sealed with a blend of natural oils and pure beeswax.
The oil soaks into the grain to condition and protect from within, while the beeswax forms a light surface barrier that resists water and brings out the wood’s natural depth and sheen.
No varnishes, polyurethane, or synthetic coatings — just a breathable, food-safe finish that lets the wood age honestly and develop character with use.
Every board and tray is finished by hand, allowed to rest, and then buffed to a soft, satin touch before leaving the shop.
Routine Conditioning
To keep the wood protected and looking its best, it needs occasional oiling. This replaces the natural oils that dry out over time and helps maintain the finish.
1. Clean & Dry
After use, wash and dry your board thoroughly. Let it air-dry at least 4–6 hours — overnight is even better.
2. Oil
Apply a light coat of food-safe oil — or one of our finishes:
ArdentWood Board Butter – our mineral oil + beeswax blend for quick upkeep.
ArdentWood Linseed Citrus Finish – refined linseed oil + beeswax + D-limonene for a warm tone and higher water resistance.
ArdentWood Pure Tung Oil – for heirloom pieces; longest curing time and the most durable finish.
Spread evenly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Let it soak for 15–20 minutes, then wipe away any excess.
3. Wax (Optional)
For extra protection and sheen, rub in a thin layer of ArdentWood Board Butter. Let it sit briefly, then buff dry with a clean cloth.
Frequency
Home kitchens: every 3–4 weeks
Restaurants or heavy use: weekly oil, bi-weekly wax
Dry climates (like Tucson): oil more often — the wood will tell you when it’s thirsty.
If the surface looks dull, dry, or rough, it’s time to re-oil.
Do / Don’t
✅ Do
• Wipe spills as soon as they happen.
• Oil more often in dry months or when the surface looks dull.
• Use both sides over time to keep the board flatter.
• Store standing upright or on feet to allow airflow.
❌ Don’t
• Never put it in a dishwasher or soak it.
• Don’t use vegetable or cooking oils — they go rancid.
• Avoid bleach, harsh detergents, or scouring pads.
• Don’t leave it sitting wet under dishes or cutting boards.
Sanitizing
Wood naturally resists bacterial growth, but occasional deep cleaning helps remove odors and stains. Use gentle, food-safe methods — never bleach or harsh detergents.
Studies have shown that microbes tend to die off faster on wood than on plastic or metal when cleaned and dried properly (source 1, source 2).
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Wipe with white vinegar to neutralize odors. Rinse lightly with warm water and dry upright.
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Pour a small amount onto the surface, spread gently with a clean cloth, and let sit for a minute. Wipe off, rinse, and dry completely.
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Sprinkle baking soda on the surface and rub with half a lemon. Let it fizz briefly, rinse with warm water, and dry. Always re-oil afterward.
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For cutting boards that touch raw meats: coat with coarse salt, scrub with lemon, and rinse. Re-oil once dry.