【How-to】How to Protect Butcher Block Counters

What is the best sealer for Butcher block countertops?

Food-grade mineral oil is a popular choice for sealing wood countertops. It helps your wood look its best, and is resistant to stain. Food-grade mineral oil is inexpensive, easily accessible, and natural; it won’t go rancid.

What do you protect butcher block with?

Can butcher block be waterproofed?

There are a variety of options for permanently sealing and waterproofing butcher block wood countertops, commonly used in kitchens. Natural oils are excellent penetrating sealers, and they’re nontoxic, easy to use and make the wood look rich and luxurious.

Should you oil Butcher block countertops?

What is the best way to finish Butcher block countertops?

BUT I would say a good general rule would be to oil your butcher block countertops once every month or two. They will need more oiling in the winter when the air is drier and less in the summer when the air is more humid.

Do you need to seal both sides of butcher block?

We generally recommend a natural oil finish for the butcher block tops we sell to homeowners due to the ease of application and maintenance.

Can you over oil butcher block?

How often do you have to oil Butcher block countertops?

There is no such thing as using too much butcher block oil. Once the wood is fully saturated with oil, it will not take on any more oil.

What is the best oil to use on a butcher block?

When determining how often to oil a block, the general rule of thumb is once a day for a week upon purchase; once a week for a month; and once a month forever. The block should be oiled whenever the wood starts to look dry and chalky.

Why do you have to oil butcher block?

Food Grade Mineral Oil

Can you seal butcher block with olive oil?

Food Grade Mineral Oil: This is the top choice for butcher blocks, and it’s the primary ingredient in commercial sealing products. Look for food grade mineral oil in your local pharmacy – it’s also sold as a laxative – and it’ll be much cheaper in the pharmacy than in the hardware store.

What do I put on a new butcher block countertop?

The conditioner helps protect the wood by keeping the mineral oil in and the moisture out. Butcher blocks can be regularly oiled with Cutting Board Oil or Butcher Block Conditioner to keep them seasoned and ready for use.

Can you use vegetable oil on a butcher block?

Olive oil, corn oil, and sunflower oil, should never be used to maintain a cutting board or butcher block. As a cutting board touches your food, substances that can turn rancid should be avoided.

Can you use baby oil butcher block?

For natural plant oils or mineral oil, spread an even coating of oil over every part of the butcher block. Let the oil soak in for as long as possible, an hour or more, and then wipe off the excess. Allow the butcher block to continue absorbing the oil overnight, then apply a second coat.

Can you use polyurethane on butcher block?

You should not use any type of cooking oil on your board, such as olive oil, vegetable oil, or regular coconut oil, because they will go rancid. Also keep in mind that excess moisture is bad for wood. Never soak your cutting board or let it sit in water for extended periods.

How do you oil a butcher block for the first time?

Baby oil is a mineral oil but it is not food safe. I’m fairly certain it would be food safe, but the problem is that baby oil typically has some kind of added scent to it, which would not be good for cutting boards. It would impart the scent to the food.

How do you make a butcher block food safe?

Having beautiful wood countertops is a dream kitchen for most people. The last thing someone wants to worry about is that their new beautiful countertops will be harmful if food is on it. To answer the question in short, yes polyurethane is food safe for wood countertops.

Can I use water based polyurethane on butcher block?

For natural plant oils or mineral oil, spread an even coating of oil over every part of the butcher block. Let the oil soak in for as long as possible, an hour or more, and then wipe off the excess. Allow the butcher block to continue absorbing the oil overnight, and then apply the second coat.