Caring for Wood ~ NZ Made Wood Butter

The History of Beeswax Wood Conditioner

For centuries beeswax has been valued as one of nature’s most effective wood preservers. Long before modern synthetic finishes existed, woodworkers, furniture makers, and household craftsmen relied on beeswax to protect and enhance timber surfaces.

Historical records show that beeswax was used by ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans to seal and preserve wooden objects. Its natural water-resistant properties helped protect timber from moisture while maintaining the beauty of the grain. Throughout Europe, beeswax remained a preferred finish for kitchen utensils, butcher blocks, bowls, and furniture because it was safe, renewable, and easy to maintain.

Today, despite the availability of many modern finishes, beeswax continues to be highly regarded for food-contact timber products. A quality beeswax cutting board conditioner helps nourish the timber, repel moisture, and highlight the natural grain. This enduring combination of beauty and protection makes beeswax an ideal choice for cutting boards, serving boards, wooden spoons, and handcrafted kitchenware.

How to Apply Wood Butter for Cutting Boards For New or Dry Timber

Ensure the timber surface is clean and dry
Apply a generous amount of Wood Butter using a clean cloth or paper towel
Rub evenly across the entire surface, working with grain
Allow the wood butter to absorb for several hours or overnight
Buff gently with a clean cloth to achieve a natural sheen

Ongoing Maintainence

Reapply whenever the timber begins to look dry or dull
More frequent applications may be required for heavily used cutting boards
Regular use of a quality wood butter for cutting boards helps prevent splitting, drying, and premature wear

Why Our New Zealand Made Wood Butter Is Different

At Wax & Wood, we manufacture our own premium Wood Butter using a carefully balanced blend of natural beeswax and food-grade mineral oil.
While many timber finishes simply sit on the surface, our wood butter is designed to work in two ways:

Food-grade mineral oil penetrates deep into the timber fibres, helping to prevent drying,
cracking, and moisture loss.
Natural beeswax creates a protective barrier on the surface, helping to repel water while enhancing the timber’s natural beauty.

This combination provides lasting protection while maintaining a smooth, satin finish that feels natural in the hand.
Our beeswax cutting board conditioner has been developed specifically for:

END GRAIN CUTTING BOARDS : BUTCHER BLOCKS : WOODEN SERVING BOARDS : WOODEN SPOONS & SPATULAS : HANDMADE TIMBER KITCHENWARE

Unlike some finishers that contain drying oils, solvents, or synthetic additives, our New Zealand made Wood Butter is simple, food-safe, and easy to maintain.

Protecting Your Timber for Decades to Come

A quality cutting board or handcrafted kitchen utensil can provide decades of reliable service when properly maintained. Regular conditioning with a premium beeswax conditioner helps preserve the natural character of the timber while protecting it from the demands of everyday use.

At Wax & Wood, we believe beautiful timber products deserve simple, effective care. That’s why we produce our own Wood Butter, crafted from natural beeswax and food-grade mineral oil to nourish, protect, and enhance timber surfaces.

Whether you’re maintaining one of our handcrafted end grain cutting boards or caring for a treasured wooden utensil, our wood butter provides the protection your timber deserves – naturally.

Timber is one of nature’s most enduring materials. When properly cared for, it develops character, warmth, and beauty that only improves with age. Regular application of our beeswax conditioner helps ensure your wooden kitchenware remains functional, attractive, and ready for everyday use for decades to come. A few minutes of care today can help preserve your timber investment for future generations to enjoy.