Applying beeswax to a cutting board: how to do it step by step

You apply beeswax to a clean, dry board that has already been oiled. Rub the wax block straight onto the wood along the grain, or spread the spreadable beeswax thinly with a soft cloth. Then buff with a clean cloth until the wood feels smooth.

Applying wax is not a big job. It is mainly about the order and the amount. Too early or too thick are the two most common mistakes.

Before you start

• The board is clean. Wash it briefly with warm water and a little washing-up liquid.
• The board is completely dry. Dry it and leave it standing upright. Wax on damp wood locks the moisture in.
• The board has been oiled. Rub the oil out thinly, leave it to soak in for 4 hours and wipe away what is still on top. The whole rhythm is in Caring for a wooden cutting board.

With the wax block

1. Take the block in your hand. You do not need a cloth.
2. Rub along the grain over the wood, in long strokes. Press lightly.
3. Finish the whole surface. Then do the edges as well.
4. Check that the layer is even. If you see streaks or thick patches, rub them out with your hand or a cloth.
5. Buff with a cloth if you want a smooth finish. You may, but you do not have to.

The wax block is 100% pure beeswax.

With the spreadable beeswax

1. Take a soft, clean cloth. Do not use the cloth that still has oil in it.
2. Take a small amount of wax out of the tin. Less than you think.
3. Spread the wax thinly over the wood, along the grain.
4. Do not forget the edges and the juice groove. With the cloth around your finger you can reach everywhere.
5. Buff with a clean part of the cloth until the wood feels smooth.

The 50 g tin of spreadable beeswax is good for dozens of treatments.

What can go wrong

If the wood is rough or full of scratches, wax does not help. Sand the board lightly first. You can read how in Sanding and restoring a wooden cutting board.