Best Sandpaper for Smoothing Wooden Cutting Boards Before Oiling

Wooden cutting boards require regular maintenance to stay safe, smooth, and sanitary. Sanding is the best way to refresh the surface, remove knife marks, and prepare the board for conditioning oil. With the right grit sequence, you can restore your cutting board to like-new condition.

Why Sand Cutting Boards?

Over time, knife scratches, stains, and grooves collect bacteria and moisture. Sanding removes damaged wood fibers and creates a smooth, food-safe surface. It also opens the grain so mineral oil or board cream penetrates effectively.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Food-safe mineral oil or board cream
• Microfiber cloth
• Protective gloves and mask
• Silicon carbide sandpaper sheets

Best Grit Sequence for Cutting Boards

• 120 grit: Removing scratches and stains.
• 180 grit: Refining the surface for smoothness.
• 220 grit: Final sanding for a silky, oil-ready surface.

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Cutting Board

1. Start with 120 grit. Use 120 grit (50-pack) to remove knife marks and stains.
2. Smooth with 180 grit. Switch to 180 grit (25-pack) for refining the surface.
3. Finish with 220 grit. Sand using 220 grit (100-pack) to create a smooth, oil-ready finish.
4. Clean surface. Wipe thoroughly with a damp cloth to remove sanding dust.
5. Apply oil. Condition with food-safe mineral oil or board cream to protect and seal the wood.

Special Cases

For deeply stained boards, begin with 80 grit to remove damage quickly. For bamboo boards, keep pressure light as fibers can splinter more easily.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to avoid scratches.
• Oil boards after sanding to prevent cracking or drying.
• Re-sand lightly every few months for best hygiene.

Aftercare

• Reapply oil monthly to keep the board conditioned.
• Never soak wooden cutting boards in water.
• Store sandpaper sheets flat and dry for future use.

FAQs

• Can I use a power sander? Yes, but hand sanding gives better control on smaller boards.
• Do I need to sand after every oiling? No—sand only when the board shows wear, stains, or scratches.

Watch & Learn

Regular sanding keeps cutting boards smooth, safe, and ready for years of use. Explore our wood sanding collection to find the best grits for your board care routine.