Field notes
Practical guides for buying wood you cannot hold yet.
Measurement, moisture, species, finish, origin, and the small decisions that make a one-of-one slab easier to buy from a distance.
Showing 5 articles in Finishing.
Is mineral oil food safe? Grades and wooden board care
Check the oil's grade and intended use, then follow the application steps: food-contact suitability belongs to the product and the finished surface.
How to restore a dry, grey or cracked cutting board
Inspect the wood before treating it, clean and dry it fully, then restore dry areas with oil; cracks need a separate judgement about repair.
Board butter vs oil: do you need both?
Oil dry wood first, then add a thin beeswax balm for a water-resistant satin surface, using the wood's appearance and water beads as your guide.
Best oil for cutting boards: how the main options compare
Purified mineral oil suits regular board care; compare it with cooking oils and curing finishes before choosing what goes on your kitchen wood.
How to oil a wooden cutting board (and how often)
Oil clean, dry wood on every face and the end grain, give it time to absorb, then wipe off the excess and check its condition each month.
Get the next guide
New field notes on measuring, drying, species, and buying slabs from a distance. A few emails a month.