How to Seal and Protect Wood Countertops

Wooden countertops and cutting boards require special care in order to protect the wood and avoid contaminating food. Proper sealing also helps prevent stains and discoloration.

8Comments

We have an outdoor bistro set that we let set out all winter and the metal chairs and the table legs have a faded look. Is there any way, short of painting them to get the original shiny black back. Thank you in advance for your answer.

Doug Mayo

Apr 24, at 12:57pm

8Comments

You need to become familiar with Osmo Top Oil finishes for wooden kitchen work tops and general wooden interior trims. I used it on my Paperstone counter top as well and it is gorgeous. It is from Germany and is a special oil and wax comination made of natural plant oils and waxes. It is a food grade approved treatment, much better than mineral oils. I worked for a butcher block manufacturer and that is all that we used. It is imported into the USA by Environmental Home Center -- 206.682.7332, www.osmo.com.

Judy

Apr 22, at 10:37am

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I have had a solid rock maple counter top for close to 30 years. The conter top has been and is a highlight in my kitchen. Two years ago I refinished the counter top using varnish. I have never had an issue with the seal breaking or marks being left on the counter top. If I was to build again, I would use a solid wood counter top. Much softer and appealing to the eye. I used a satin finish, therefore I did not have a high gloss finish.

Ralph

Apr 22, at 8:27am

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You neglect to mention the grit of the paper. I'm not all together sure sandpaper is the way to go. Fine "Scotchbrite" pads may be the better choice here. We used to use fine steel wool, but that tends to leave behind small steel particles. A magnet will pick them up, but that's a lot of extra trouble. You also neglected to mention wiping the surface with a tack rag or the like between sanding and recoating. Personally, I totally dislike the idea of poly on it, but it does have its uses. I'd rather see a traditional oil based finish, tung oil, mineral oil, or the like. That way, when someone forgets and does prepare food on it, no problem. Good tips, but not complete enough for a rookie.

David Broughton

Apr 22, at 2:10am

8Comments

Good grief. Varnish on a wooden worktop. You are joking, right? Varnish will make it look like a lump of plastic. Just awful.

John

Feb 20, at 6:34pm

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Enjoyed you show for years, but this year I am unable to recieve the show in Canada ( Bell Satellite )

Ken

Feb 4, at 12:30pm

8Comments

I have enjoyed your shows and learned sooooo much over the years. Thank you!

Dec 15, at 9:22pm

8Comments

thank you for your concise and easy to understand advice. It was exactly what I needed to know to seal my butcher block countertop.

brook

Sep 23, at 3:32pm

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How to Seal and Protect Wood Countertops