Surfaces in the kitchen need to be treated. Treatment with a quality wood worktop finishing oil will enhance the life of the wood, its colour and prevent staining as well as give resistance to microbes including bacteria and fungal spores.
Often, different woods require different oils. This is not necessarily due to the protection required by differing wooden surfaces, but due to the different colours of stains that are available. Darker stains produce a more warm and rustic appearance, whereas lighter stains on lighter woods such as beech, ash and oak will create a nice, bright and airy kitchen. Choose the colour of the finishing oil based on your tastes and the overall look that you wish to achieve in your kitchen.
The application of an oil onto a solid wood worktop often requires experience. We recommend that you consider using a professional for the first few applications and then take advice if you want to continue further applications in the future. The finishing oil should be applied in several thin layers, rather than all at once. The layers should be gradually built up, leaving a little time between each application (generally 10 to 20 minutes is needed). Ensure that all areas have begun to dry and there are no obvious sections of wet surface before applying the next layer). The finishing oil should be applied in smooth lengthways strokes that go along the whole length of the surface following the direction of the grain. Try to keep the brush strokes uniform and straight.
Read more in our main sections on the installation, maintenance and care of wood worktops.
Leave a Reply