12 Ounce Butcher Block Oil in Clear

A:  Butcher Block Conditioner will help add more protection than mineral oil alone. Both products help repel water for a period of time; however, they are not technically considered waterproof because water can eventually leave marks if it has time to soak in.

A:  This finish is not waterproof. It is totally useful for a butcher block… but you need to maintain it oiled and avoid excess moisture. Clean it up quickly after use avoiding excess water.  I use it on my cutting boards and I use plenty of water to clean them (not hot please) without any problem.  But, certainly not waterproof.  

A:  You only need to clean the wood if it's dirty. Apply Cutting Board Cleaner with a clean, damp sponge and scrub surface until lather is formed. Rinse clean with warm water and towel dry. Allow entire wood surface to air dry completely. Use Cutting Board Oil and Butcher Block Conditioner whenever the wood looks or feels dry by applying one coat of either product. On new or raw wood surfaces, like cutting boards and butcher blocks, make sure to "season" them first with Cutting Board Oil. To properly "season" new wood surfaces, apply at least 2 coats and let each coat soak in for at least an hour. For surfaces thicker than 1.5-inches apply 3-4 coats. Additional coats help ensure that the oil fully soaks into the wood. After Cutting Board Oil, maintain wood with Howard Butcher Block Conditioner by applying 1 coat and let it stand for at least 20 minutes. For countertops, let the conditioner soak overnight and in the morning, wipe away excess. The conditioner helps protect the wood by keeping the mineral oil in and the moisture out. Butcher blocks can be regularly oiled with Cutting Board Oil or Butcher Block Conditioner to keep them seasoned and ready for use. These products can be used together for best results but can be used alone as well.

A:  It is only an oil for keeping the cutting board moisturized, it is not a sealer.  Check with your local Home Depot to see what you should use to seal your gourd bowl.

A:  This will help bring out the depth of grain in the wood and helps prevent drying and cracking. For more protection follow up with Butcher Block Conditioner or Wax-It-All.

A:  Mineral Oil is clear and it can slightly darken dry wood by brining out the natural wood grain. To make the wood look dry (and lighter) again, remove the mineral oil with warm soapy water or mineral spirits. Wipe dry and then let air dry. The wood should start to look lighter in appearance. Repeat cleaning if needed to remove most of the oil and lighten the wood.