The Forestry Forum

Question for some of you that are experienced wood workers. I made a few cutting boards awhile back and finished them with some wood wax I ordered which is supposed to be safe with food. Didn't know what to expect as I put it on bare wood but I liked the look and it was pretty easy to do. Just wandering if some sort of good wax could be used for other applications for a finish such as tables or benches and if so what would be a good brand. I'm thinking it wouldn't work for outside use but maybe for inside it would be a alternative to other finishes. Thanks for any info.

When my dad was alive he used to use Johnson wax on small projects he'd make to sell. Things like gnome houses and jewelry boxes. I tried to find some a while back but it looks like they stopped making it. I bought some Minwax and use it on the posts of my sawmill to make them slide buttery smooth. But it says not for outside use on the can. 

I was building a table top for my camper and asked at Woodcraft about a table top poly.
the gentleman recommended a Hard wax finish, because if it got scratched or showed wear you can just give it another coat.

Briwax Hard wax oil (https://www.woodcraft.com/products/briwax-hard-wax-oil-solvent-based-1-liter)

I have used it on several things and am happy with it.

I have tried different food grad waxes etc for cutting boards and spoons. I started using pure tung oil.
I saw a youtube video that claims it is more water resistant. I had to use some pliers to open the bottle a couple days ago so I know it polymerizes pretty hard.

Pros:

Easy to use 
Can be "refreshed" with another coat 

Cons:

Not as durable as lacquer or polyurethane 
Multiple recoats over time may need stripped prior to reapplication. 

Rubio Monocoat is a catalyzed wax finish.  I love it.  I've only used the clear on walnut, but they also have various colors.  After it's cured use a ceramic coating on it for tables or furniture like N3 Nano from Blacktail studios. That will help protect form glass rings, scratches etc.  and give the finish a deeper look.

For a cutting board, I'd just use mineral oil for practical use. I understand that if people are selling cheeseboards, they want the finish to pop to help sell them, but on my own cutting board, mineral oil.