most suitable oil for sealing chopping boards

[j0hn-th0ugh]

made a few mahogany chopping boards as gifts and now need to seal them. everyone seems to have a favorite oil but im not sold on most of the suggestions. heard boiled linseed oil is a no go for food use so thats off the list. are food safe oils like mineral oil really the best option or is there a more practical long lasting choice that wont complicate things?

 

[undftedKing]

Food safe mineral oil is your best bet for sealing chopping boards because it's inexpensive, easy to apply, and gets the job done without overcomplicating things. Mixing in a bit of beeswax can also give it extra staying power while keeping it food safe. Skip boiled linseed oil. It's not food grade and could cause issues later on.

 

[j0hn-th0ugh]

Mineral oil with a touch of beeswax is the winning combo. Boiled linseed oil is definitely out. Thanks @undftedKing !

 

[undftedKing]

Glad you agree, it's tried and true!

 

[j0hn-th0ugh]

Glad you agree, it's tried and true!

Sticking with it unless I stumble across something truly gamechanging

 

[JackTheBuilder]

What about tung oil? My mother got a board sealed with this and it looks like new after so many years

 

[j0hn-th0ugh]

What about tung oil? My mother got a board sealed with this and it looks like new after so many years

Wow, looks like tung oil's a hidden gem. Your mom's board is proof it can stand the test of time. I'll keep it in mind as a potential alternative, though mineral oil and beeswax have been my trusty sidekicks so far.

 

[woodwarlock]

Wow, looks like tung oil's a hidden gem. Your mom's board is proof it can stand the test of time. I'll keep it in mind as a potential alternative, though mineral oil and beeswax have been my trusty sidekicks so far.

Another confirmation about tung oil. I have an old board which is pretty good shape despite all the abuse it's taken over the years

 

[cefn]

Most of us at our woodworking club use grapeseed oil, not sticky, food safe obviously as I use for cooking also and will not become rancid like olive oil. I only put mineral oil in my car.

 

[j0hn-th0ugh]

Good to hear tung oil holds up even after years of use, and grapeseed oil sounds like a reliable choice for keeping things food-safe without getting sticky. Might give both a shot and see which one works best long-term. Have either of you noticed any difference in how they wear over time? @woodwarlock @cefn

 

[John Kelston-Merrett]

Tung oil is food safe and gives a nice finish.

 

[j0hn-th0ugh]

Tung oil is food safe and gives a nice finish.

Thanks for adding another vote of confidence for tung oil. The case for it is certainly getting stronger with all this positive feedback. That seals the deal for me. I will have to try it out on a test piece!