[TomC]

When I put the mineral oil on my end grain cutting boards the maple turns really dark. I like the looks of the boards after sanding but not after oiling. I see a lot of maple end grain boards posted that don't look as dark as mine. I am currently sanding my end grain boards to 220. I went to 320 on one board but it didn't make a difference. Why are mine going so dark? I use 100 percent mineral oil. I have not mixed in wax with my finish.
Tom

 

[rrbrown]

IDK but will be watching for my own info.:thumbsup:

 

[TomC]

IDK but will be watching for my own info.:thumbsup:

Do you have the same problem?
Tom

 

[rrbrown]

Nope but only because I just now looking to build some cutting boards. First thing is to get a drum sander.:thumbsup:

 

[TomC]

Nope but only because I just now looking to build some cutting boards. First thing is to get a drum sander.:thumbsup:

I agree with that. The first one I made I had about 6 hours in sanding. With the drum sander it still take about 40 to 50 minutes with 100 grit paper on the sander. It doesn't take long with the ROS after drum sanding.
Tom

 

[3fingers]

Post a pic an advice will come.

 

[Dave Paine]

Tom, I know what you mean. 'Tis the nature of the beast.

The oil is being absorbed into the end grain pores which are the "straws" through which the sap runs.

Depending on the size of the end grain pores, more or less oil will sit. The more oil, the darker the wood. I experienced this myself and the oil was as clear as water - until it went into the end grain and made it look dark.

End grain purpleheart looks a very dark purple.

Not much you can do with the oil.

I think if you used beeswax instead of the oil it would not get as dark.

 

[TomC]

Tom, I know what you mean. 'Tis the nature of the beast.

The oil is being absorbed into the end grain pores which are the "straws" through which the sap runs.

Depending on the size of the end grain pores, more or less oil will sit. The more oil, the darker the wood. I experienced this myself and the oil was as clear as water - until it went into the end grain and made it look dark.

End grain purpleheart looks a very dark purple.

Not much you can do with the oil.

I think if you used beeswax instead of the oil it would not get as dark.

Have you ever just used bees wax for a cutting board finish? If so how do you apply? How well does it hold up and how often do you reapply? Sorry for so many questions just wanting to do something to keep the board from getting so dark.
Tom

 

[TomC]

Post a pic an advice will come.

I will try and post later today or in the morning. I have to start up computer to post pictures as I have first generation iPad.
Tom

 

[Dave Paine]

Have you ever just used bees wax for a cutting board finish? If so how do you apply? How well does it hold up and how often do you reapply? Sorry for so many questions just wanting to do something to keep the board from getting so dark.
Tom

I have only made 1 end grain board and that was given to a friend some time ago. Likely not used for cutting, just decoration.

I tried beeswax on one of my maple "working" cutting boards. This was face grain. It did not seem to last as long as oil. No surprise, it cannot penetrate as deep.

So you may have a tradeoff, more frequent application but not as dark, vs less frequent but darker.

Then there are the mixes, oil and wax. I have this, but rarely use it. I normally just use the mineral oil.

http://www.woodcraft.com/product/2084854/38930/howards-butcher-block-conditioner-12oz.aspx

 

[TomC]

I have only made 1 end grain board and that was given to a friend some time ago. Likely not used for cutting, just decoration.

I tried beeswax on one of my maple "working" cutting boards. This was face grain. It did not seem to last as long as oil. No surprise, it cannot penetrate as deep.

So you may have a tradeoff, more frequent application but not as dark, vs less frequent but darker.

Then there are the mixes, oil and wax. I have this, but rarely use it. I normally just use the mineral oil.

http://www.woodcraft.com/product/2084854/38930/howards-butcher-block-conditioner-12oz.aspx

Maybe someone else has some secrets. I don't have a problem with face grain. When I post a picture I will post a picture of a board oiled and just sanded. I have 2 in the final stage of glue up. I will sand in the morning and post pictures of both.
Tom

 

[TomC]

Pictures

Here are some pictures of my end grain cutting boards. The first picture is of a board just out of the drum sander(no finish). The second picture is of an identical board with a mineral oil finish. The third picture is of a face grain board with maple and a mineral oil finish. To me the end grain cutting board with the mineral oil finish is darked than it shows in the picture.
Tom

 

[Dave Paine]

Nice looking boards.

I think there is not much you can do to prevent the end grain and oil looking as dark as it does. It is a surprise when the oil is as clear as water.

Perhaps a sealer would prevent it going as dark, but that would also prevent absorbing the oil and defect the purpose of the oil.

 

[TomC]

Nice looking boards.

I think there is not much you can do to prevent the end grain and oil looking as dark as it does. It is a surprise when the oil is as clear as water.

Perhaps a sealer would prevent it going as dark, but that would also prevent absorbing the oil and defect the purpose of the oil.

I think you are correct. I will try bees wax on this one. I have one more ready to sand. Based on how the bees wax comes out will depend on how it gets finished.
Tom

 

[TomC]

Well I order the Doctors paste wax for cutting boards. I should have it late next week. I will post pictures of the previously unfinished boards when I get them waxed. I guess there are no secrets to use on end grain boards to keep most finishes form turning them extremely dark.
Tom

 

[yank]

That is the color my cutting boards look after I put mineral oil on them. That is the nature of the wood. Not any thing you can do to prevent it.

 

[TomC]

That is the color my cutting boards look after I put mineral oil on them. That is the nature of the wood. Not any thing you can do to prevent it.

I agree, but I don't have to like it. I am curious to see how the wax looks. I know it not a very durable finish and need to be reapplied frequently. However, if it doesn't turn the board dark it will be worth it. As of now the wax hasn't shipped. It may be next week before I get it.
Tom

 

[Al B Thayer]

I will try and post later today or in the morning. I have to start up computer to post pictures as I have first generation iPad.
Tom

I have a 1st gen and post just fine with the pad. ?

Al

Friends don't let friends use stamped metal tools sold at clothing stores.

 

[TomC]

I have a 1st gen and post just fine with the pad. ?

Al

Friends don't let friends use stamped metal tools sold at clothing stores.

What's your secret? It would take me longer to post with the iPad. First take a picture, then transfer it to my computer and then transfer it to my iPad so I can post. I just go ahead and post while the computer is up.
Tom

 

[Al B Thayer]

What's your secret? It would take me longer to post with the iPad. First take a picture, then transfer it to my computer and then transfer it to my iPad so I can post. I just go ahead and post while the computer is up.
Tom

I take a pic with my phone. Email it. Open it with the pad. Clic the arrow. Clic save image. Then when posting on WWF clic advanced. Then Clic attach from photos. After it downloads add a line of text. Push the sideways v on the Same download tab.

I'm still trying to figure out the iPad app too.

Al

Friends don't let friends use stamped metal tools sold at clothing stores.