Sealing butcher block countertops is a solution that normally can solve the problem of countertop surface that won’t cut on. In general, any finishing of your preference by considering its appearance and durability will be fine. It just needs to be free from harmful chemicals, so it’s safe to be in direct contact with food.
Sealing is the ideal solution as well to keep the butcher block from stains or drying out. There are plenty of product alternatives, but here are two of the least expensive, most widely available, and simplest options.
Mineral oil to treat and seal your butcher block countertops
This particular oil is often marketed as the butcher block sealant that safe for food – you’d be able to find it easily at local pharmacy for much lower price. In order to use it as sealant, just apply the oil in generous amount then let the mineral soak in before wiping any of its excessive.
It needs to be repeated regularly for the first several applications, and then proceed by applying it once a month after. However, there is a downside of using mineral oil: it will be absorbed by any paper that you lay on the butcher block and create a stain on the paper, and it continuously to do so even after weeks since the sealing process.
Waterlox to treat and seal your butcher block countertops
Waterlox is a food safe sealant solution that’s made from mix of resin and Tung oil for treating a butcher block countertop. It has waterproof quality. The manufacturer gives detailed application instructions on its official website for you to use as a guide, but it can be simplified into three main steps: sand your countertops, use mineral spirits to clean it, then apply it 3 to 5 times with 24-hour wait period between each application.
Wood material adds certain characteristic and warmth to the space, including when you’re using it for kitchen countertops surface. Even though the entire process of sealing butcher block countertops is a bit lengthy due to the drying time between applications, it is actually pretty easy to do.
One thing that you have to remember when trying to complete this procedure is that the bottom part of counterpart needs to be sealed like the top pat as well. Failing to put sealant on the bottom side might cause the wood to curl or crack in the future, so make sure you perform the steps of sealing butcher block countertops above thoroughly on both sides.
