How to Care for Engraved Wood and Glass

This page covers how to care for engraved boards, coasters, wine glasses, ornaments and guest book signs from our shop. A few simple habits keep solid wood from cracking or drying out and keep the engraving easy to read for years.

Engraved cutting and serving boards

Our boards are one solid slab of maple or walnut, and solid wood moves with water and heat. Treat it like good kitchen wood and it will hold up to daily use.

Hand wash with warm water and a little dish soap. Scrub the engraving with a soft brush if food gets into the lines.
Dry it right away with a towel.
Stand it on edge to finish drying, so air reaches both faces evenly. A board left flat and wet on one side can cup.
Never soak it, and never leave it sitting in a sink full of water.
No dishwasher. The heat and water will crack or warp it.
Oil it when it looks dry. Use food-grade mineral oil or a board conditioner. Rub on a thin coat, let it soak in, and wipe off what is left. Conditioning oil is an add-on on our board pages if you want it to arrive with the board.

If you plan to display the board rather than cut on it, a stand keeps it upright and out of the way of spills. Our full guide to caring for an engraved cutting board goes into oiling, stains and knife marks in more detail.

Wood coasters

Coasters have an easy life. Wipe them with a damp cloth when they need it and dry them right away. Do not leave them soaking in a puddle or run them through the dishwasher.

Engraved wine glasses

Our 21 oz stemless wine glasses are laser etched. The etching is permanent in the glass, so it will not peel or rub off. We suggest hand washing to protect the glass from the knocks and heat of a dishwasher.

Ornaments and guest book signs

Ornaments and guest book signs are made to hang and be looked at, not handled every day. Keep them dry and out of direct sun, which can fade wood and ink over time. Dust them with a soft, dry cloth. When ornaments come down after the holidays, store them somewhere dry, wrapped so they do not knock against each other.

Something not right

If a piece arrives with a problem, message us with a photo and your order number. For timing questions, see shipping, and for everything else, the FAQ.

Questions we get

Can I put my cutting board in the dishwasher?

No. The heat and long soak in a dishwasher can crack and warp solid wood. Hand wash it with warm, soapy water and dry it right away.

What oil should I use on my board?

Food-grade mineral oil or a board conditioner. Conditioning oil is available as an add-on on our board pages. Oil the board whenever it starts to look pale or dry.

Will the engraving on my wine glass wash off?

No. Laser etching is permanent in the glass, not printed on top of it. We still suggest hand washing to keep the glass itself in good shape.

How do I clean a guest book sign after the wedding?

Dust it with a soft, dry cloth. Keep it dry and out of direct sun so the signatures and the wood keep their color.