This project was built and designed by Caleb from YouCanMakeThisToo. It’s a creative approach to making custom cutting boards that combine natural wood with colorful epoxy resin for a unique, polished look.
These boards serve double duty as functional kitchen tools and decorative serving pieces. They’re also a great option for gifts or small-scale woodworking sales, especially around the holidays.
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Preparing the Wood for the Project
The process begins with rough air-dried lumber, often featuring imperfections like twists, checks, or loose bark. Caleb starts by flattening the wood using a planer sled—an efficient method when a jointer isn’t available.
One face is flattened first, and then the board is flipped to level the opposite side. Once both faces are flat and parallel, the boards are cut to length. Bark is typically removed at this stage to reduce the chance of separation later.
Caleb uses a draw knife to strip away the bark, though a sharp chisel can also get the job done. Removing the bark ensures a cleaner bond between the epoxy and the wood during the pour.
Building a Simple Epoxy Mold
With the wood prepped, the next step is building a mold. Caleb uses plywood wrapped in tuck tape, which prevents the epoxy from sticking during curing.
The mold is built with a flat base and four sides to create containment walls around the wood. Careful sealing of every seam with hot glue or silicone helps avoid leaks, which can be a messy setback when working with resin.
Planning the mold dimensions in advance helps minimize epoxy waste while still allowing room for overpour and cleanup.
Mixing and Pouring Epoxy Resin
Caleb mixes the epoxy in measured batches, following the manufacturer’s instructions closely to ensure proper curing. It’s important to get the resin-to-hardener ratio right—otherwise, the epoxy may remain tacky or cure unevenly.
To create a more dramatic effect, different pigments and dyes are added to the mix. Caleb experiments with color layers and swirls to give each board a distinct style.
As he pours the epoxy into the mold, he keeps an eye out for leaks and adjusts the setup as needed. The epoxy flows into gaps between the wood, filling voids and creating the signature river-like look that makes these boards so appealing.
Releasing and Flattening the Boards
After curing for several days, the boards are ready to be removed from the mold. The tuck tape lining helps release the resin without damaging the board or mold.
Once the casting is out, the next step is flattening the surface. Caleb uses a drum sander to level both sides, being careful not to generate too much heat. If the epoxy gets too hot during sanding, it can gum up the sandpaper and create uneven results.
Sanding continues until the epoxy and wood meet flush. At this stage, the board starts to show its final shape and surface.
Smoothing and Polishing
To get a professional finish, Caleb uses a micro mesh pad kit to wet sand the epoxy. This multi-step process involves working through several grits, gradually removing scratches and increasing clarity.
Wet sanding is especially effective for epoxy because it helps reduce heat and leaves a smoother surface. The final result is a clear, glassy finish that makes the colors pop and highlights the wood grain.
After polishing, Caleb adds a branding mark to the back of the board. This not only gives the product a professional appearance but also adds a personal signature that sets it apart.
Applying a Food-Safe Finish
The final step is oiling the board. Caleb uses mineral oil to soak into the wood and epoxy, which enhances the color and provides protection against moisture.
The oil is allowed to absorb for about a day before the excess is wiped away. This step is simple but critical—it helps keep the cutting board safe to use and extends its lifespan.
Some makers follow this with a beeswax-based board butter for extra conditioning, though mineral oil alone is often enough for day-to-day use.
A Rewarding Project with Artistic Potential
These epoxy cutting boards strike a nice balance between woodworking and creative design. Caleb’s process shows how a few basic tools and thoughtful preparation can turn rough wood into a product that’s both beautiful and functional.
For woodworkers looking to sell projects, cutting boards like these are an ideal product. They’re customizable, in demand, and can be made in batches once you’ve mastered the steps.
Whether you’re building a one-off gift or exploring new ways to use epoxy in your work, this is a fun and satisfying project to try.
Please support Caleb by visiting his website: https://www.ycmt2.com/.