Tung Oil vs Mineral Oil vs Beeswax
Choosing the Right Finish for Your Wood Products
Here at Roots To Table, we use tung oil, mineral oil, and beeswax to finish our handcrafted wood products, each serving a specific purpose.
We are constantly refining our process to get the best results for durability, aesthetics, and protection.
In this article, we’ll break down each of these finishes, explaining...
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What they are.
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How we apply them.
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Where they work best.
Whether for cutting boards, charcuterie boards, cribbage boards, or other wooden products. By the end, you'll know which finish is right for your own wood care needs.
Tung Oil: A Durable, Long-Lasting Finish
Tung oil is a drying oil derived from the seeds of the tung tree. It penetrates deep into the wood and hardens as it cures, creating a durable and water-resistant finish. This makes it an excellent choice for products that require long-lasting protection and a rich, warm appearance.
Common Uses for Tung Oil:
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Cribbage boards and decorative wood items that need a rich, warm finish with long-lasting durability.
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Handmade furniture like tables and chairs where a deep, natural wood look is desired.
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Wooden bowls and utensils that require water resistance but not frequent reapplication.
How We Apply Tung Oil:
We have tested different application methods and found that small foam rollers work best for an even coat. Here’s how we apply it:
STEP 1: Preparation: Clean off the piece using a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
STEP 2: First Coat: Apply the tung oil with a foam roller, ensuring an even layer.
STEP 3: Let Dry For 15 Minutes: Store the pieces on dish racks to minimize contact points and allow the oil to soak in.
STEP 4: Wiping Excess: After 15 minutes, use a good paper towel (you don't want it falling apart while using it) to remove excess oil. We go through once, then repeat with a clean paper towel to ensure no excess remains.
STEP 5: Sanding Between Coats: After 24 hours, lightly sand using 220-grit sandpaper. For best results, use an orbital sander with gentle pressure, always going with the grain. A sanding block works fine too... but avoid sanding with just paper and your hands, as it leads to uneven results. Not all sand paper is created even and we love the diablo papers.
Step 6: Repeat Process: Apply two more coats, following the same steps, for a total of three coats.
At Roots To Table, we use tung oil on products like our cribbage boards, applying three coats for a long-lasting, smooth finish that enhances the beauty of the wood.
Mineral Oil vs Beeswax for Cutting Boards
If you’re looking for the best way to protect a cutting board, you’ve likely come across both mineral oil and beeswax as common treatment options.
While both offer benefits, they serve different purposes, and understanding their roles can help you choose the best method for maintaining your wood products.
Mineral oil is a non-drying, food-safe oil that penetrates deep into the wood, preventing it from drying out and cracking. It does not harden like tung oil, which makes it ideal for frequent reapplication on cutting boards.
Common Uses for Mineral Oil:
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Cutting boards and butcher blocks, where hydration and frequent reapplication are needed.
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Wooden kitchen utensils, such as spoons and rolling pins, that require a non-drying, food-safe finish.
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Wooden countertops, where easy maintenance and protection from drying are important.
How We Apply Mineral Oil:
Step 1: Full Submersion: We fully submerge each board in a 24-hour mineral oil bath. Since wood floats, we place cookie sheet racks (like these) on top and use wood weights to ensure the board stays fully submerged.
Step 2: Removing Excess Oil: After 24 hours, we use a squeegee to remove excess oil.
Step 3: Drying Process: We place the boards on drying racks to allow any remaining oil to settle.
Step 4: Final Absorption: The board may continue to sweat small amounts of oil for a few days—this is completely normal and a sign that the board has fully absorbed the oil, which improves longevity.
What is Beeswax?
Beeswax is a natural wax that provides a surface barrier, offering added protection against moisture and minor scratches.
It’s often combined with mineral oil to create a conditioning blend (board butter) that hydrates and protects cutting boards.
Common Uses for Beeswax:
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Cutting boards and butcher blocks, when used in a blend with mineral oil for extra surface protection.
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Wooden spoons and utensils, where a smooth finish and slight waterproofing are beneficial.
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Furniture finishing, especially for polishing wood surfaces and adding a protective sheen.
How We Apply Beeswax:
Final Step Before Shipping: We do not apply the beeswax until right before shipping.
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Recommended Maintenance: We highly recommend applying board butter regularly to maintain longevity, protect against stains, and enhance the board’s natural luster.
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Best Times to Apply: Before using for guests (for protection and presentation) and after a heavy soap and warm water cleaning, as soap washes away the beeswax layer.
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Step 1: Apply and Buff: We apply a good coat of board butter, ensuring full coverage. We buff in the board butter to ensure the piece is thoroughly covered and the butter is worked into the surface of the board.
NOTE: For taking care of your own board, a clean rag or piece of sponge work great.
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Step 2: Wipe Dry: Then, we gently wipe off any excess so the board is not greasy but retains a smooth, polished finish.
Our Roots To Table Board Butter offers the best of both worlds...
deep hydration from mineral oil and a protective surface layer from beeswax.
It's the perfect solution for keeping your cutting boards, charcuterie boards, butcher block counters, wooden spoons, and more in top condition.
👉 Click here to check out our Board Butter
(Check out our related post on the advantages and disadvantages of beeswax for wood.)
Which Should You Use?
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For cutting boards and butcher blocks: Mineral oil is essential to keep the wood from drying out, and a mineral oil + beeswax blend provides extra protection.
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For decorative or fine wood products: Tung oil is a better choice if you want a long-lasting, protective finish that enhances the wood’s natural beauty.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between tung oil vs mineral oil and mineral oil vs beeswax for cutting boards comes down to understanding how each finish interacts with wood. While tung oil provides a hardened, water-resistant layer, it requires patience and multiple coats. Mineral oil, on the other hand, is fast, easy, and effective, especially when combined with beeswax for extra protection.
If you’re serious about cutting board care, we recommend using our Roots To Table Board Butter, which combines the best of both worlds—deep hydration from mineral oil and a protective layer from beeswax.
