General Questions

What makes Hive to Hardwood products different from other wood care products?

All Hive to Hardwood products are formulated with pure, plant-based beeswax — 100% petroleum-free, mineral oil-free, and silicone-free. Most commercial wood care products (lemon oils, mineral oil conditioners, synthetic polishes) are petroleum byproducts that sit on the surface, evaporate quickly, and can degrade wood finishes, hide glues, and fret adhesives over time. Our beeswax formula penetrates deep into the wood grain, conditions from the inside out, and builds a durable moisture-resistant barrier that lasts far longer than any mineral oil product.

Are all your products food-safe?

Yes. All Hive to Hardwood products are 100% food-safe, non-toxic, and free from petroleum distillates, synthetic additives, and chemical solvents. Our Cutting Board Butter and Plastic-Free Kitchen Set products are specifically formulated for direct food-contact surfaces including cutting boards, butcher blocks, charcuterie boards, wooden spoons, and salad bowls.

Do your products go rancid?

No. Oils like olive oil, coconut oil, and linseed oil go rancid inside wood grain over time. Our specialized, stable plant-based beeswax blend is naturally resistant to oxidation — it will never go rancid, never smell, and never leave a sticky or gummy residue.

How long does one application last?

Much longer than mineral oil. Our beeswax formula typically lasts 4–8 weeks for heavily used surfaces (cutting boards, fretboards) and 3–6 months for occasional-use items (gun stocks, bow risers, pool cues, instrument bodies).

Cutting Board Butter & Kitchen Products

Can I use olive oil or coconut oil on my cutting board instead?

No. Olive oil, coconut oil, and vegetable oils go rancid inside the wood grain over time, creating an unpleasant smell and a potentially harmful bacteria environment. Use a food-safe, stable conditioner like Cutting Board Butter instead.

How do I season a new wooden cutting board?

Apply a generous coat of Cutting Board Butter to all surfaces — top, bottom, and all four sides. Work it into the grain using circular motions, paying extra attention to end grain. Let it absorb for 20 minutes, then buff away any excess. Repeat 3 times in the first week for maximum protection. After that, reapply monthly or whenever the wood looks dry or dull.

Can I put my wooden cutting board or utensils in the dishwasher?

No. Dishwashers expose wood to prolonged heat and moisture that causes warping, cracking, and splitting. Always hand wash with mild soap and dry immediately.

Is the Plastic-Free Cutting Board safe for charcuterie and serving?

Yes — it's ideal for charcuterie boards, serving boards, and everyday prep. The beeswax finish is food-safe and creates a naturally antimicrobial surface safe for direct contact with meat, cheese, vegetables, and bread.

Pool Cue Wax

Can I use pool cue wax on a carbon fiber shaft?

No. Pool Cue Wax is designed exclusively for natural wood shafts — maple, ash, bird's eye maple, and exotic hardwood. Carbon fiber shafts are non-porous and don't benefit from beeswax conditioning. For carbon fiber shafts (Predator REVO, Cuetec Cynergy, etc.), use isopropyl alcohol wipes instead.

How do I apply pool cue wax correctly?

Apply a small amount to a clean, soft cloth and rub into the shaft along the grain from ferrule to joint. Burnish briskly up and down — the friction activates the wax and bonds it to the wood grain. Let absorb for 2–3 minutes, then buff away any excess.

Gun Stock & Bow Wax

Is the Wood Gun Stock & Bow Wax safe around blued, parkerized, or cerakoted metal?

Yes. Our formula contains no solvents, no acids, and no harsh chemicals — completely safe around all metal finishes. You can apply it with the action in without any risk to your finish or action.

Can I use the bow wax on carbon fiber bow limbs?

No — the wax is designed for natural wood bow limbs only (Osage orange, walnut, maple, and other hardwoods).

How often should I condition my gun stock or bow?

For gun stocks: before and after heavy field use, or whenever the wood looks dry. For wooden bows: at the start of each season and after hunting in wet conditions. For competition bows, condition between sessions.

Instrument Elixir

Is Instrument Elixir safe for vintage instruments with hide glue?

Yes. Instrument Elixir contains zero solvents, zero alcohol, and zero harsh chemicals — completely safe for vintage hide glue joints, braces, bridges, and spirit varnishes.

Can I use Instrument Elixir on a finished (lacquered) guitar body?

No. Instrument Elixir is designed for unfinished wood surfaces only — fretboards, woodwind bores, unfinished instrument bodies, and fine audio wood. Do not apply to lacquered or poly-finished surfaces.

Can I use it as a bore conditioner for my clarinet or oboe?

Yes. Apply sparingly to a bore swab and run through the bore. Safe for Grenadilla (African Blackwood), Rosewood, and all dense exotic hardwood woodwind bores. Conditions without softening key pads or cork.

Shipping & Orders

Where do you ship?

We ship across the United States. Please see our Shipping Policy for full details.

What is your return policy?

Please see our Refund Policy for full details on returns and exchanges.

How do I contact you?

You can reach us through our Contact page. We typically respond within 1–2 business days.