[Titan2]

Originally Posted by surferguy

**cracks knuckles**

My process is simple, its mineral oil. Personally I have a big Rubbermaid of the stuff and all new boards I have take a 24hr bath in it. Its likely overkill but its just how my timing works as I build. Different species will soak up more oil depending on the porosity of their grains. Your Ikea board is likely birch which would be similar to a maple but not dense.

Your board is likely in need of a refresh. Soaking it is your best path forward for anything that is beyond a "topical refresh"

Topical refresh: This is where your wood wax comes in (mineral oil and beeswax combo). After I soak my boards, I let them dry out/drain for a day before I coat them in the wood wax conditioner. This is a topical treatment, as in it creates an envelope film on the outside of the board. Basically a cream the consistency of butter.

The idea is that it will mush that wax down into any open pore creating a barrier for water/stuff to penetrate. This will break down over time as you wash your board/use it. This is where it is imperative to reapply to keep your board looking fresh and protected. Apply liberally, let it stand for 10/15 mins, buff it off with a paper towel. You are ready to go.

Washing your board: Use soap and water. Never let in soak, never put it in the dishwasher. After washing towel dry it immediately and put it on edge to let it finish drying. Leaving it flat can lead to warping or humping (snicker).

My recommendations. Grab a bottle of mineral oil from shoppers or superstore and find a pan or container that you can best soak your board in. Keep it slathered in oil as best as possible for 24 hrs if you can. Use a sponge to slop on the oil and turn it over every time, just try and keep the surface wet as best as possible.

Once that is done, let the board dry out. Then get some wood wax and apply as described above. When that process is complete you are ready to go!

Reach out to me and I can give you one of my tins of wood wax.

I hadn't heard the recommendation that Geraldish has above about a conditioning schedule but I like it and it certainly wouldn't be bad for your board. I will probably start recommending that to my client going forward.

Regarding Walrus and other topicals that you can buy, they will for sure work but they are more expensive and are basically the same thing. Keep it simple and your boards should last a long time.

Hopefully that covers everything. Feel free to respond if you have more questions or if I overlooked anything in my process.

Happy conditioning!

Delivered in spades as anticipated. Thanks Surferguy!