Renewing Butcher Block Countertop

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Essential Skills, Know-How

One more thing to love about butcher block countertops? No matter what shape they're in, it's easy to make them look brand new. Here's how.

A butcher block countertop is a hard-working, hard-wearing, long lasting classic choice for your kitchen. The natural wood is treated simply with oil to lock in moisture and to protect the wood. Damage to these counter surfaces can be sanded or scraped away and the surface can be re-oiled to get back to its original beauty.

Photo: David Young-Wolff, Alamy

Over time, the oils in these counters can sometimes build up. But don't worry -- there's a way to bring them back to glory!

Step 1: If the surface seems sticky and oily, run a wide plastic putty knife over the surface to remove as much of the residue as you can.

Step 2: Mask of the remainder of the kitchen with plastic sheeting and pull on a sanding mask and goggles.

Step 3: Use a palm sander and a sixty-grit sandpaper to remove all of the surface scratches and damage. Work slowly and only in the direction of the grain. Going across the grain can cause more damage than good. Also, remember to keep the sander moving so you keep the surface nice and even. (Make sure you change the paper as soon as it gets gummed up with mineral oil.)

Step 4: When the surface is smooth, change to a hundred-grit paper and sand the whole surface again. Then work down to a hundred and fifty grit paper and finish up with a superfine two hundred grit paper for a smooth finish. Remember to clean the surface between each grit.

Step 5: Once all of the sanding is finished and all of the dust has been cleared, treat the surface with plain mineral oil and a soft cloth, which you can pick up at any drugstore, rubbing it well into the surface. Then let the oil soak in completely before you start using your counter again.

A beautiful counter brought back to life in a few easy steps. I'm Mrs. FIXIT and it's just that simple!

 

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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/03/25/butcher-block-countertop/

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