Staining butcher block counters can change the look of your kitchen and convey older wooden again to life. Earlier than staining, it’s important to decide on a food-safe product and a suitable sealer.
Forms of Butcher Block Stain
There are three kinds of butcher block stain: water-based, oil-based, and one-step oil+stain combos. Be aware of the product you choose, as you’ll must discover a wooden conditioner and sealer with the identical base. For instance, in the event you use a water-based stain, you want a water-based wooden conditioner and sealer.
- Water-based butcher block stain – quick drying, easy utility, and easy-to-find food-grade merchandise.
- Oil-based stain – penetrates wooden deeper than water-based stains, and it’s simpler to search out suitable wooden conditioners, however these stains aren’t all the time food-surface protected.
- Oil + Stain combo – stain and seal your butcher block in a single step and are food-grade when dry.
Regardless of the stain you select, make sure the product is meals floor protected in the event you’ll be inserting meals straight in your counters.
How one can Prep Butcher Block Counters for Stain
The next tutorial will stroll you thru easy methods to prep your butcher block for stain. Comply with these steps whatever the product you’re utilizing until in any other case specified.
Step 1: Sand the Counters
For brand-new, unfinished counters, use 120-grit sandpaper to right any unevenness.
In case your counters have a earlier end, use coarse 80-grit sandpaper to take away it after which change to 120-grit sandpaper.
After sanding with 120-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge, give the counters a coat with 150-grit sandpaper.
All the time sand within the course of the wooden strips.
If it is advisable to repair divots or cracks in your counters (extra doubtless for older butcher block), gather all of the mud from sanding with 120-grit paper and transfer to the following step.
Step 2: Fill in Holes or Cracks (Non-obligatory)
In case your counters are older and have holes and cracks the place meals collects, fill the divots with food-safe wooden glue and sanding mud. Use your mud from the earlier step and blend it with the glue till a thick paste varieties.
Press the paste into holes and cracks, then use a scraper to degree the glue with the countertop.
After the paste dries, sand the counter once more with 120-grit sandpaper adopted by 150-grit, then wipe clear.
Step 3: Clean with 220-Grit
Give your counters a ultimate sanding with 220-grit sandpaper to depart a clean end.
Step 4: Clear Off the Sanding Mud
Take away all sanding mud along with your Store Vac or a tack fabric. Then wipe the counters with a fabric dampened in water to take away all traces of mud. Enable the counter to dry.
How one can Stain Your Butcher Block Counters with Water or Oil-Primarily based Stains
After prepping your counters by following the steps above, select your stain product and a coordinating wooden conditioner and sealer.
Step 1: Apply Wooden Conditioner to Your Counters
Apply wooden conditioner to your counters with a tender fabric or brush, relying on the package deal directions. Enable the conditioner to dry for no less than two hours, then sand it over with 220-grit sandpaper.
Clear off all sanding mud.
Observe: Do not forget that your wooden conditioner should share the identical base as your stain.
Step 2: Apply Your First Coat of Stain
Comply with the instructions on the stain package deal so as to add your first layer. In most cases, you’ll use a pure bristled brush to evenly coat the counter, going within the course of the wooden strips. Cowl the sides and beneath the counter for a uniform look.
Enable the stain to dry for 6-8 hours or the required time on the can.
Step 3: Add a Second Coat
As soon as the primary coat is dry, comply with the identical steps so as to add a second coat. Be aware of pooling and dripping.
Enable the second stain to dry for no less than eight hours. In the event you aren’t glad with the colour of the counters, add a 3rd coat as soon as the second coat is dry.
Step 4: Seal the Counters
For the ultimate step, you’ll must seal your counters. The sealer you utilize have to be suitable with the stain kind. Bear in mind to make use of a food-safe sealer in the event you’ll be doing any form of meals prep in your counters.
- You should use most Waterlox merchandise, that are a tung-oil and resin sealer, over prime of water and oil-based stain.
- Polycrylic works over water-based stains.
- Polyurethane works over oil-based stains.
Additionally, verify the stain product you’re utilizing. The model might have a companion sealer to your butcher block counters.
How one can Stain Butcher Block with a Meals Protected Oil + Stain Combo
For these wanting a neater staining methodology, an oil + stain combo is your greatest wager. Take into account a product like Watco Butcher Block Stain from Rustoleum. It’s non-toxic, meals protected when utterly dry, and eliminates the necessity for a separate sealer.
Step 1: Prep the Counter tops
Earlier than making use of a food-safe oil + stain product, your counter have to be in a raw-wood state. Use the prep steps above to sand your counters.
Step 2: Apply the First Coat with a Smooth Material
Use a tender fabric to use a fair coat of stain, following the course of the wooden strips. Don’t neglect the sides and beneath the counter. Wait no less than six hours for the stain to dry.
Step 3: Sand with 400 Grit Sandpaper
In between coats, sand the counter with 400 grit sandpaper and wipe the sanding mud away with a tender, lint-free fabric.
Step 4: Apply a Second Coat
Use a tender fabric to use a second coat of the product. Wait no less than six hours, then examine. In the event you’re glad with the end, you’ll be able to cease right here. In order for you a richer coloration, add one other coat.
Step 5: After 72 Hours, Wash and Use
Wait 72 hours after your ultimate coat. Then handwash your counters with light cleaning soap and water earlier than utilizing.