Cutting boards can make quite a statement in your kitchen and on your counter as you prepare your food. Make your own custom painted cutting board in any shade for a unique, fun practical piece that doubles as decor!

You’ve probably seen wood crafts made with staining wood or even with wood burning to basically etch designs into the wood (like these Wood Burned Coasters). Have you ever thought about painting wood items that you would use around the house?

Today I’m sharing how to make custom DIY painted handle cutting boards. You can actually paint the handle of any cutting board to give it a little extra pizazz. And as a bonus, after you paint them, they can double as great decor in your kitchen. Just make sure you pick colors that work in your space. 🙂

I love these rustic beauties in my farmhouse kitchen. They add exactly the touch I was going for, and you can easily make them too.

If you love making painted wood crafts, definitely check out my Painted Tulip Wreath, DIY Wood Puzzle, and DIY Picture Frame from Scrap Wood.

painted handle cutting boards project pin image

Table of Contents

Choosing Food-Safe Paints and Stains

If you’re doing this painted cutting board project or another that involves painting items you may use in your kitchen, you’ll want to use food-safe paints and stains. Yes, there are food-safe options for making painted items you can use in your kitchen!

Stains

The “stains” will actually just seal the wood and not alter the color much. But they are safe for use with food which is perfect for those that want to make or finish a raw wood cutting board. Some options include:

Paints

The best option I have for adding food-safe color is to dye your wood with food coloring. There are not many paints on the market that are marked as “food-safe”. The paint I used above is non-toxic but not rated as food-safe. I was ok with that since I was only painting the handle, which won’t ever touch food.

If you want to color your entire item, dye your wood with the food coloring then seal with one of the food-safe options above.

Supplies Needed To Make A Custom Painted Cutting Board

Here’s a complete list of all the supplies you will need to do this project! Please note that this post may contain affiliate links which means that you don’t pay any extra if you make a purchase, but I may receive a small commission to go towards this site.

Cutting boards or breadboards (look for one with a handle and a shape you like)
Paint (I used the Americana Decor Matte Metallics but any paint you love will work.)
Painter’s Tape (my favorite is Frog Tape)
Stain (if your board is not finished)
Paintbrushes
Rag

NOTE: The cutting boards That I’m using are unfinished, but you can pick up a finished one and do the same project.

supplies for painting the handles of cutting boards

How To Make A Painted Cutting Board

Now that you have your cutting boards, it’s time to paint those handles!

Be sure to start with cutting boards that are clean and dry. And you’ll also want to use good quality paint that works on wood. Now let’s jump in and make some painted handle cutting boards!

NOTE: feel free to print out the supplies and instructions for this project with the handy printable project card at the bottom of this post!

Step 1

Mask off the handle area with painter’s tape. Remember that paint is not food-safe so you want to keep it limited to an area that will not touch food.

Step 2

Begin painting the handle in the color you want. You may need to paint a few coats, depending on the paint you’re using.

If you do paint more than one coat, allow the paint to dry thoroughly before adding another coat. Then repeat the same process until the handle looks the way you want it to.

Step 3

To ensure that your painted cutting board looks its best, don’t forget to paint the sides of the handle too! After you have finished painting the front (and sides), and the paint has dried, you can flip your cutting board over to paint the back.

Once all of your paint has dried, carefully remove the painter’s tape.

Step 4

The breadboards that I used for this project were unfinished, so I also needed to stain the boards themselves. You can skip this step if you are using a finished piece.

Please note that if you do stain your boards, they will not be food-safe.

Step 5

To stain, use painter’s tape on the painted handle.

Then brush on a coat of stain with a paintbrush, allow it to sit a few minutes, and wipe away all excess with a rag.

Make sure to stain all sides to get a more finished look.

Step 6

Allow everything to dry completely. Once dry, they’re ready to display in your kitchen. NOTE: I used products that made my boards good for display only.

Are you ready to make a painted cutting board for your home?

I have the two I made on display in my kitchen. As you can see, you can use them if the food is placed on some sort of barrier, like parchment paper.

I love the contrast of the metallic paint with the rustic wood of these breadboards. But you can use any color that you love on this same painted cutting board project to customize it to your preferences!

After all, personalizing these painted handle cutting boards is what this project is all about. Enjoy!

how to make painted handle cutting boards

Love This Painted Cutting Board? Check Out These Great Wood Project Ideas

If you love this painted cutting board project, I think you’ll love these other ideas too!

Total Time 1

DIY Cutting Board with Painted Handles

Have you ever wanted to add a little something special to your cutting board? Well, now you can with this idea for painting the handles.

Supplies

Cutting boards or breadboards look for one with a handle (Please note the ones I am using are unfinished but you can pick up a finished one and do the same project.)
Paint I am using the Americana Decor Matte Metallics but any paint you love will work.
Painter’s Tape my favorite is Frog Tape
Stain if your board is not finished
Paintbrushes
Rag

Instructions

Start by using painter's tape to mask off the handle area. Remember that paint is not food-safe so you want to keep this in an area that will not touch food.
You can then paint the handles in the color of your choice. Depending on the paint you are using, this may take a few coats. Paint the first coat, allow to dry completely, then add a second coat. Repeat until you have the coverage desired.
You will also want to be sure to paint the sides as well as the back for a more finished look. To paint the back, complete the painting on the front before flipping over to repeat the same procedure on the back. Once all of your paint has dried, carefully remove the painter's tape.
The bread boards that I am using for this project were unfinished so I also needed to stain the boards themselves. You can skip this step if you are using a finished piece. Please note that if you do stain your boards, they will not be food safe. To stain, use painter's tape on the handle.
Then brush on a coat of stain with a paintbrush, allow it to sit a few minutes, and wipe away all excess with a rag. Once again, you will want to do this on all sides to get a more finished look. These boards actually have a rough side and a smooth side which gives a completely different look depending on which way you flip them.
Allow everything to dry completely then these are ready for display in your kitchen. NOTE: I used products that made mine for display only. I have a few tips below for finding products for cutting boards that you will use in your kitchen.