How to Season a Wooden Counter Top
A wood or butcher-block counter top can last for decades if properly cared for. But if you do not season or seal wood surfaces prior to use, mold and bacteria might invade the wood. Luckily, seasoning counter tops is simple and inexpensive. Mineral oil is the most recommended finish for wood surfaces that will be used for food preparation or chopping. Or consider tung oil, with its glossy finish, if your counter tops will be more decorative. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Cabinet scraper
- Paintbrush
- Tack cloth
- Clean, lint-free cloth
- Mineral or tung oil
Instructions
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Use a cabinet scraper to smooth the counter top. Scrape from six to eight inches at a time, and sweep away shavings with a paintbrush as you go.
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Wipe the counter top clean with tack cloth. Be sure to remove all dust and small shavings. Once oil is applied, particles will be more difficult to remove.
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Pour a small amount of oil onto the counter top, and spread with a clean cloth. Repeat until entire counter is covered with an even layer of oil. Look for dry spots as you work. Open grain will absorb more oil.
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Wait until counter top is dry to the touch. This can take from one to six hours.
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Apply a second coat of oil. Allow the second coat to sit overnight.
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Remove any excess oil with a paper towel or lint-free cloth. When dry, surface is ready to use.
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Tips & Warnings
Whether using tung oil or mineral oil, reapply once a month or whenever wood appears to be dry.
Be generous when applying the initial coat. Untreated wood will initially absorb a surprising amount of oil.
Wood counter tops will tolerate heat better than most synthetic kitchen surfaces, but they will scorch. Regardless of which treatment you use, never place hot cooking utensils directly on your counter top.
You may not be familiar with cabinet scrapers. They are available online and through most woodworking supply catalogs. They provide a much smoother finish than even the finest grade sandpaper and cost only a few dollars. It is well worth the money to get one and keep it handy for projects requiring a fine finish.
Do not use linseed oil on any food preparation surface.
If using tung oil to seal your counter top, allow it to dry completely before placing any food directly on surface.
Walnut oil or other nut-based oils are also traditional finishes, but may cause reactions in people with allergies.
