I’m going to teach you how to revive an old cutting board!
I have been putting this off for 3 years even though it’s incredibly easy to do.
Here’s exactly how I did it (save this for when you do yours!):
1. scribble all over the board with a pencil, then sand with 80 grit, 120 and 150. When the pencil marks are gone, you know you’ve sanded evenly and can move on to the next grit.
2. To fill any cracks put a dab of wood glue into any see cracks and immediately sand over it with fine grit paper. The sawdust mixed with the wet glue to make a perfect color matched filler!
3. Once it’s dry, usually about 30 minutes or so do a final sanding with 220.
4. Apply multiple coats of a food safe finish. I used Half and Half from @RMP Finishes and applied multiple coats. Let the dry wood drink it up then buff it to a shine.
Be honest, when was the last time your oiled your cutting board?
Reviving an old cutting board is one of those surprisingly satisfying DIY projects that can instantly refresh your kitchen tools without having to buy new ones. From my experience, the key to a great result is patience and using the right materials. Starting with sanding, I found that using a pencil to scribble across the surface is a clever trick to ensure you sand evenly — once the pencil marks are gone, you know you've reached a smooth, uniform finish. Filling in cracks with wood glue combined with sawdust from sanding creates a perfect color match that blends seamlessly with your board. It's important to sand immediately after applying the glue so the filler dries with a smooth texture, avoiding bumps or uneven spots. After waiting about 30 minutes for the glue to dry, finishing with fine 220-grit sandpaper ensures a silky finish that's ready for oiling. When it comes to the finishing oil, I highly recommend a food-safe product like the "Half and Half" finish mentioned in the guide. Allow the wood to fully absorb the oil before buffing it to a gentle shine — multiple coats not only enhance the wood's natural beauty but also protect it from future wear and moisture. A little tip I learned: routine maintenance is key. I now oil my cutting boards every few months to keep them in top shape, which prevents deep scratches and cracks from forming. It’s a small effort that saves money and extends the lifetime of the board while keeping it hygienic for food preparation. Finally, always remember to wear protective gear like eye protection during sanding to avoid injuries and protect your respiratory health from fine dust. This method gives your old cutting board a second life and turns it into a beautiful, functional piece for your kitchen.
thank you ❤️