Thread: Mineral Oil On Wood Scales?

Should one apply anything to wood scales to help maintain them? Manufacturers of wood cutting boards suggest that mineral oil should be lightly applied periodically to preserve the wood. I use mineral oil to coat my blades and prevent rust. It occurred to me that perhaps the scales might benefit from an occasional light application. I would appreciate the benefit of your thoughts on this.

I don't see that it would hurt anything at all to wipe 'em down with it occasionally.

It wouldn't hurt, maybe darken some. Depending on the finish though, TI for instance pretty much bathes the wood in I don't know what but they are sealed forever so it probably wouldn't matter much with those types.

I've dabbled in woodworking for many years and it's usually Flax oil, AKA Linseed oil recommended for boards as it hardens and seals the surface. Be careful not to get it on a Formica counter because if it hardens, it doesn't come off.

I make custom cutting brds and butcher blocks,Mineral oil is the recomended treatment because it is 100% non toxic.
Many of the brds I make are walnut,will nut hurt your scales in the least,just do not over do it.

It really depends on what the wood Scales were sealed with in the first place, if the wood was even sealed in the first place...

If that info was not available, I would use a high quality wax such as Renaissance Wax

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

I make custom cutting brds and butcher blocks,Mineral oil is the recomended treatment because it is 100% non toxic.
Many of the brds I make are walnut,will nut hurt your scales in the least,just do not over do it.

Flax oil is not only non toxic but edible and a great source of vegetarian Omega 3s plus it does have a sealing property to it. BTW, mineral oil is petroleum based and not what I would put on my food. You may want to consider switching if you put food on those really nice blocks.

Ultimately, considering the item here, I think Glen has the best advice.

Originally Posted by drmatt357

Flax oil is not only non toxic but edible and a great source of vegetarian Omega 3s plus it does have a sealing property to it. BTW, mineral oil is petroleum based and not what I would put on my food. You may want to consider switching if you put food on those really nice blocks.

Ultimately, considering the item here, I think Glen has the best advice.

Sorry but your wrong,If you seal a large cutting Board,it will crack,mineral oil is sold at all Pharmacys as a laxitive,you swallow it,The butcher block oil you can buy at any large hardware store is food grade mineral oil,read the label.

You sound a little angry there! Do you know the mechanism as to why it's a laxative? It's an irritant to the colon and causes it to spasm, it's petroleum based. There's no doubt you make beautiful boards. When it comes to human physiology, well, stick to woodworking.

I've always used food grade mineral oil on my cutting boards. That's what the manufacturer's recommend as well as chef's.

As far as mineral oil on wooden scales, shouldn't hurt them at all, though as mentioned, it may darken them depending on the finish used.