The NW Co.
The same wood butter we put on every board before it ships.
A good board is meant to be used. The trouble is that wood gives up a little moisture every time you wash it. Skip the care and the grain turns pale, starts holding stains, and eventually cracks. If the board was a gift, or has a name engraved on it, that is not something you want to replace.
You don't need a shelf of products to prevent that. You need a couple of minutes a month and the right conditioner.
We mix and hand-pour Wood Butter in small batches in our Albany, Oregon shop from just two ingredients: food-grade mineral oil and beeswax. It carries more beeswax than most commercial conditioners, so it goes on as a soft butter instead of a runny oil. The oil soaks into the grain. The wax stays at the surface and gives water something to bead up on. Whatever is left in the pot after each pour refills the tin on our own shop bench.
It works on anything wood that touches food: cutting boards, butcher blocks, wooden spoons, salad bowls, and serving boards.
Rub In, Rest, Buff Off
- Wipe a thin layer onto a clean, dry board.
- Let it soak in for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Buff off the extra with a clean cloth.
Repeat once a month, or whenever the wood looks dry. That is the whole routine.
What You'll Notice
Water beads up instead of soaking in. The grain looks deeper and richer. The surface feels smooth again, and the board keeps looking like the day it arrived.
What's in It
- Food-grade mineral oil
- Beeswax
Two ingredients, both food-safe. Nothing else.
What It Comes In
A 5.3 oz (150 g) black steel tin with our mountain mark laser engraved on the lid. A little goes a long way, so one tin covers many months of regular care for a board or two.
Add a tin to your order so the care is ready before your board ever needs it.
FAQ
How is this different from plain mineral oil?
Oil alone soaks in and washes back out. The beeswax helps hold it in the grain and adds a layer of water resistance.
Will it leave my board sticky?
No. Once you buff off the excess, the surface feels smooth and dry to the touch.
Is it food-safe?
Yes. Both ingredients are food-grade and safe for surfaces that touch food.
Does end grain need anything different?
End grain drinks more on the first application. A second coat right after the first is normal.
Will it work on teak?
Yes, and on maple and walnut too. Teak's natural oils mean it needs conditioning less often.
Is this the same as your Board Cream?
Yes. Board Cream is now called Wood Butter. Same shop, same two simple ingredients, and a new name and label that say what it does.
