Question on treating wood(cutting board) | Page 3 | Construction and DIY projects | Forums

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I usually use Tung oil on Maple, not sure about using it on Mesquite.

Use With Caution

Tung Oil 

An oil derived from the tung tree originating in southern China, it is very popular in woodworking for creating a satin look with a slight golden tint. However, there are two cautions: 1) some people are terribly allergic to tung oil as it is made from a nut tree. 2) The name “tung oil” is often used by paint and varnish manufacturers as a generic name for a product that contains a small amount of oil or provides a similar finish. Be cautions of tung oil varnishes and paints that very likely containtoxic chemicals not meant for human consumption.

A easier choice I have used here would be:

Coconut Oil

An edible oil extracted from the meat of matured coconuts, coconut oil is an increasingly popular substance used to maintain cutting boards and butcher blocks. Because of its high saturated fat content, it is slow to oxidize and is therefore resistant to rancidification. Coconut oil has a plethora of uses: as skin moisturizer, soap, for cooking and frying, and even burning for candle light. It is also nut-free despite its name!