How do i seal butcher block countertop

(This is not a sponsored post and I was not compensated to shared my opinion of Watco Butcher Block Oil, however I have included affiliate links for your convenience and ease of finding the product(s) I used)

Table of Contents Show

Should butcher block countertops be sealed?
What is the best sealant for butcher block countertops?
What do you put on a butcher block to seal it?
What kind of oil do you use to seal butcher block?
How do you treat butcher block countertops for the first time?
How do you seal unfinished wood countertops?

(before sealing)

I have had a lot of inquiries about what we used to seal our butcher block counter tops, as well as how I like having a black sink ever since they made their debut in this post.

Sealing these butcher block countertops couldn’t have been easier. I didn’t think to photograph the process as it really was rather mundane! I can however share the process I followed.

I used Watco Butcher Block Oil for the job. We do not treat our counters with kid gloves. If you have been visiting Red Cottage Chronicles for a while you will know I have a passion for baking. That means my counters get used a lot, and I do not have the time (or memory for that matter) to think about not letting my food touch the counter tops.

Choosing a quality treatment for our countertops was of the utmost importance. Especially since we were installing a farmhouse sink which is under mounted, possibly exposing the butcher block edges to water splashing up from the sink. When it came to searching for the best treatment to protect the butcher block, food safety was also at the top of the list.

I also wanted a treatment that easy to apply AND with easy clean-up! Watco checked all the boxes.

How to seal a butcher block countertop

After a light sanding, wipe away any dust using a tack cloth
Protect your hands with disposable rubber gloves
Use old cotton rags to wipe on the first coat and leave to dry about 6 hours
Before applying the next coat give the countertops a light sanding, and remove dust with tack cloth
Apply 2nd through 4th coats repeating as above
After final coat, allow 72 hours before using the countertops for any food prep

It is a good idea to do a light sanding and add a coat or two every 6 months or so. This will ensure the ultimate protection and long life of your new counters.

The result will be beautiful rich butcher block countertops you will love!

The other question I have gotten a lot is how I like having my Blanco Silgrant Ikon black farmhouse sink, and whether or not it shows water spots.

I absolutely adore my sink. A bit dramatic maybe, but I still am thrilled at how big it is, hence how many dishes it fits. Oh, and that optional rack. I use it daily! It is the perfect perch for rinsing fruits and veggies!

As far as water spots, that has not been a problem at all. I do tend to give my sink a quick wipe down after I use it, but even when I haven’t done that, I don’t see any visible spots. We don’t have hard water, so perhaps that helps, but water spots are a non-issue I am happy to report!

Until next time…..

Should butcher block countertops be sealed?

Butcher block countertops are so classic. But they need to be sealed to protect the wood from staining and water damage. There are many different ways to seal your butcher block.

What is the best sealant for butcher block countertops?

Polyurethane is among the most durable wood finishes for floors, countertops, and furniture. Water based polyurethane dries faster, doesn't smell, and is easier to clean up. The finish look and feels like a transparent film.

What do you put on a butcher block to seal it?

Polyurethane for butcher block countertops. Polyurethane is a liquid coating that dries into a plastic film and is excellent for sealing the countertop, but then there's a layer of plastic between you and your pretty new wood.

What kind of oil do you use to seal butcher block?

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.

How do you treat butcher block countertops for the first time?

Start with a clean countertop, and then pour on the mineral oil, spreading it over the surface with a cloth. Let it sink in and dry for an hour. Then apply another coat. Condition butcher-block countertops every few months to restore their natural sheen.

How do you seal unfinished wood countertops?

You can seal your countertops with a butcher block oil like you do for cutting boards. But that requires frequent re-application to maintain the water-resistant seal. For our bathroom vanity, we used the Waterlox Original formula and it still looked amazing when we sold it after 3 years of constant use.

seal butcher block countertop