Engraved Acadia Cutting Board

Most store-bought cutting boards arrive with a light factory oil or finish that can interfere with engraving contrast.

• Lightly sand the engraving area using fine-grit sandpaper (220–320 grit)
• Sand with the grain just until the surface looks uniformly matte
• Wipe away sanding dust with a dry, lint-free cloth
• Do not use alcohol or solvents — they can dry the wood unevenly and affect engraving results

The goal is simply to expose clean, bare wood — not to remove material or reshape the board.

Because this was a one-of-each gift set, dialing in the design and settings before engraving was critical.

• Fonts were selected for clarity, balance, and longevity (clean, readable, and not trendy)
• Final text was customized specifically for the recipient
• A micro-grid test was run on scrap wood to refine power, speed, and contrast

Small test engravings helped confirm:

• readability at final size
• depth without charring
• consistency across lighter and darker grain areas

This testing step eliminated guesswork and prevented costly mistakes.

With settings finalized, the engraving was completed in xTool Studio.

Ensure the cutting board is:

• clean
• completely dry
• free of dust or residue
• Use one pass with the refined settings
• No masking was used

Material behavior notes:

• Lighter wood areas with the grain required additional attention and sometimes a second pass
• Darker wood areas against the grain engraved cleanly on the first pass
• Power and speed were not increased — patience and observation mattered more

Key reminder: engraving will darken once oiled, so avoid over-engraving. Monitor the process, make small adjustments if needed, and don’t get jumpy.

Finishing brings everything together — and it’s where restraint really pays off.

Dust Removal

• Wipe with a dry, lint-free cloth
• Lightly brush any small soot blooms from engraved areas
• Avoid moisture unless absolutely necessary, and allow wood to fully dry if used

Oil Application

• Use Howard Cutting Board Oil
• Apply sparingly with a microfiber or lint-free cloth
• Wipe with the grain, including engraved areas (don’t flood them)
• Let oil soak for 20–30 minutes
• Buff thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth

Dry Time & Final Look

• Wood must be completely dry before oiling
• Final finish should look satin and even, not glossy or greasy
• If dry spots appear during soaking, the wood is “thirsty” — a second very light coat can be applied after several hours

⚠️ Important: Oil cannot be removed once absorbed. It’s always better to under-apply and add more later.

Final Tip

Evaluate the piece after oiling before deciding to re-engrave or adjust. Oil deepens contrast and unifies color variation, especially on acacia.