How to re-oil wooden kitchen worktops so they look as good as new
How to tell if wooden worksurfaces need TLC: take a look at our three-step guide to re-oiling.
When you buy a kitchen with beautifully chunky wooden worktops, the upkeep is unlikely to be a big priority. You’re redesigning your home and they look great, but they do also take a bit of looking after.
Over time, wooden worktops can fade and become marked, so it’s important to treat them every so often.
How can I tell if my kitchen worktop needs re-oiling?
Most experts will tell you to re-oil worktops every three to four months, but to know for sure, try dripping water onto the worktop surface. If the water forms a bead, it doesn’t need re-oiling, but if it sits flat on the surface, your worktop needs some TLC.
How to re-oil a wood worktop in 3 steps
Step 1: Sanding
Use sandpaper (start with a courser grade sandpaper, then go over it with a finer grade, e.g. 120 grit followed by 180, or 180 followed by 240 – available from all hardware stores) to smooth over all of your wooden worktops. If the worktops are in bad condition, you may need to use an electric sander or card scraper, but these will require a bit more knowledge and skill, so you might prefer to call in the professionals.
Sanding is a bit tedious and it will take a while, but on the plus side, it will lift off any stains or marks that are starting to set in. Focus on any discolouration around the sink area, as this can be harder to get rid of.
Make sure you clean off all the dust thoroughly once you’ve finished.
Step 2: Oiling
Once you’ve done your prep, all you need to do is apply your oil. There are lots on the market, but try a water-borne blend of natural plant oils, suitable for all types of timber, quick drying and water-resistant.
To start, pour a little oil onto the worktop and, using a lint-free cloth, spread it over the surface until you have a very thin and even layer. You need to repeat this until you’ve covered the worktop, then apply another coat.
After applying, be careful not to leave any of the oil on the surface, as it could show up white and stand proud.
After the first coat, leave the oil to dry for a few hours (potentially more, depending on your brand of oil – always read the instructions) and then re-apply up to eight coats. Adding several thin coats is more effective than one thick layer, which can dry sticky or shiny.
Step 3: The re-test
Once dried, try dripping water on the surface again, and if the water doesn’t form a bead, repeat the oiling process.
Use a heat protector
Now you’ve got gorgeously pristine worktops again, always use a heat protector or chopping board to keep it looking good.
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