If you’ve got a handmade black walnut epoxy charcuterie board—especially one with a smoky resin river—you probably don’t want to mess it up with the wrong cleaner or by storing it wrong. I’ve been making and using these boards for years, and this is the care routine I actually follow myself. No fluff. Just what works.
If you're still searching for one of these handcrafted serving boards, you can check out my resin river charcuterie board collection here.
Are resin charcuterie boards food safe?
Yes, as long as the epoxy has fully cured and is labeled food-safe. I always use FDA-compliant resin for my boards. It’s safe for serving food, just not for cutting. Think of it like glass—safe to touch your food, but you wouldn’t slice bread on it.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Charcuterie Board Care
✅ DO: Hand Wash Only (No Dishwasher)
Use warm water, a soft sponge, and a little bit of mild soap. Never let the board soak in water. Never put it in the dishwasher. Epoxy can take a lot, but prolonged soaking or harsh detergents will damage the finish—and the wood won’t love it either.
✅ DO: Dry It Immediately After Washing
After a gentle wash, towel it off right away. Don’t leave it dripping or leaning in a wet sink. I always make sure it’s dry on all sides, including the bottom.
❌ DON’T: Cut Directly on the Resin
These boards are made for serving, not chopping. Using a knife on the resin will leave scratches, and even walnut can dent if you’re slicing hard. Grab a separate cutting board for prep and use your epoxy board to serve in style.
✅ DO: Oil and Condition the Wood Regularly
I finish all my charcuterie boards with Walrus Oil Cutting Board Oil—it’s food-safe, all-natural, and makes the walnut grain pop beautifully. I also send a 4 oz bottle of wood conditioner with every board so you can maintain it right at home.
Once a month, rub a light coat onto the wood side using a clean cloth, let it soak in overnight, and buff off the extra the next day. If you want to upgrade your care kit, Caron & Doucet Cutting Board Oil is another top-tier food-safe conditioner I recommend.
✅ DO: Buff the Resin Gently When Needed
If the resin surface loses some shine, don’t panic. Just use a microfiber cloth to gently buff it. Skip the abrasives and polishes unless you really know what you're doing. Most of the time, a soft dry cloth is enough to bring the gloss back.
❌ DON’T: Expose It to Extreme Heat
Epoxy can handle warm plates or a cup of coffee, but it can’t take high heat like a cast iron pan fresh from the stove. I always use a trivet for anything hotter than 120°F (49°C). That’s the safe zone.
✅ DO: Store It Flat or Upright (Not Wedged)
When not in use, store your board flat or upright on its edge—never wedged in a tight spot or leaning where it might bend over time. I stand mine up against the backsplash when it’s not on display.
✅ DO: Remember—This is Functional Art
Every walnut slab is different. Every resin pour has its own personality. These boards are made to be used, but they’re also worth preserving. I treat mine like a blend of utility and art—and it’s lasted beautifully because of that mindset.
How to care for resin pieces?
Keep it simple: gentle soap, soft cloth, and no soaking. Treat the resin like you would glass or marble—clean it gently, dry it fast, and avoid anything abrasive. For extra shine, a soft microfiber cloth does wonders. And don’t forget: high heat is not your friend.
Why I Use Black Walnut + Resin for My Charcuterie Boards
Black walnut isn’t just pretty—it’s durable, naturally antibacterial, and pairs incredibly well with resin. The contrast between dark wood and a clear or smoky epoxy river never gets old. And when it’s finished right? It turns heads on any table.
What not to do with resin?
Don’t cut on it, don’t microwave it, don’t leave it in the sun for hours, and definitely don’t put it in the dishwasher. Those are the big ones. Resin is strong, but not indestructible—treat it like the centerpiece it is.
My Favorite Food-Safe Finish for Epoxy Charcuterie Boards
Here’s what I actually use (and send with every board):
- Walrus Oil Cutting Board Oil – for daily care and protection
- Walrus Oil Wood Wax – for extra conditioning and water resistance
- Caron & Doucet Cutting Board Oil – an excellent alternative for those looking for a coconut-based option
What is the best finish for an epoxy charcuterie board?
For the wood: a food-safe oil like Walrus Oil or Caron & Doucet. For the resin: nothing fancy—just a smooth, cured pour that you can buff with a microfiber cloth if it dulls over time. I skip polishes and keep things simple. It works.
Final Thoughts
If you take care of it, your epoxy charcuterie board won’t just last—it’ll get better with age. The wood gets richer. The resin stays smooth. And it becomes something you’re proud to pull out every time you host. If you have questions or need help maintaining yours, feel free to reach out—I’m always here to help.
Have a blessed day,
Solomon
resinsociety.net
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