How to Seal Wood Countertops

A wood countertop, with proper care, makes a sturdy, long-lasting work surface.

Wooden countertops are a popular kitchen fixture. The wood makes a sturdy surface on which to prepare foods, and the natural look of wood is an attractive design element. Wood is a porous substance, however, and must be properly cared for in order to insure a long life. Yearly application of mineral oil will help protect the surface from water damage, UV rays, and daily wear and tear.

Things You'll Need

• Razor knife
• 5-in-1 putty knife
• Painter's tape
• Plastic sheeting
• Palm sander with 220-grit sandpaper
• Dry rag
• Sponge
• Mineral oil
• Caulk gun with 30-year silicone caulk
• Wet rag
• Dust mask
• Rubber gloves
• Work gloves
• Safety glasses

Instructions

1. Cut along the center of each bead of caulk around the countertop with your razor knife. Remember to include the caulk around the lip of the sink. Use the point of your 5-in-1 putty knife to scrape the caulk away from the wood and out of the seams. Remove all caulk from every seam.

2. Lay plastic sheeting over the top of your sink. Trim the plastic with your razor knife while being careful not to damage the countertop or sink surface. Attach the plastic to the sink with your painter's tape. Trim the tape with your knife to fit exactly, leaving all of the wood exposed. Cover every fixture and other non-movable surface on the countertop with plastic.

3. Fasten a piece of 220-grit sandpaper onto your palm sander as recommended by the manufacturer. Sand the entire wooden surface of your countertop with the palm sander. Take your time and be sure to remove all of the old sealer and smooth away any irregularities in the wood. Replace the sandpaper in your sander as necessary to insure an even surface. Wipe the countertop with a dry rag to remove all of the dust from the counter.

4. Soak your sponge with mineral oil. Wipe the oil-soaked sponge across the sanded wood. Apply an even coat of mineral oil to the entire countertop. Wait 24 hours and apply a second coat. Let the second coat of mineral oil soak into the wood for 24 hours.

5. Remove the plastic and painter's tape from the sink and other fixtures on the counter. Apply a bead of caulk into each seam around the countertop including the seam around the sink. Wipe the caulk with a wet rag to smooth the caulk and fill each gap completely. Allow 24 hours for the caulk to cure before using your counter or sink.

Tips & Warnings

• Reseal your wood countertop every year in the autumn. This time schedule will help protect the wood during a time of year when a lot of cooking and baking is generally done, and will remove any damage done to the countertop from intense sunlight during the spring and summer.

• Always use a cutting board when using knives to prepare food on your wood countertop.

• Mineral oil is the only oil product that should be used to seal your wood countertop.

• Do not use bleach or other harsh chemicals on your wood countertop.

• Rubber gloves and a dust mask are required when sanding and applying mineral oil.

• Work gloves and safety glasses are required when using hand tools.

References

• Bob Vila: Kitchens, Wood Countertops