Sealing Butcher Block Countertops With Dark Tung Oil,A Food Safe Stain
5 Materials
$70
4 Hours
Medium
When we decided on wood countertops for our diy kitchen remodel two years ago, I did so much research on sealing butcher block. I was concerned wood counters would be high maintenance and get stained easily. I wanted to naturally darken the Ikea butcher block we purchased to look more farmhouse rustic, and wanted to use a finish that was completely food safe. The finish that met all our needs was dark tung oil.
It has been nearly two years since sealing butcher block counter tops with dark tung oil, and they still look amazing. Since it’s been awhile since we applied the finish, I wanted to share what we did to seal the counters, and how well they have held up to the abuse!
What drew me in to using raw tung oil is that it is completely non toxic and food safe when applied with citrus solvent. The dark tung oil I used from Real Milk Paint beautifully darkened the IKEA butcher block. It really provided that rustic farmhouse charm I wanted for our kitchen.
Tung oil dries nicely to a matt finish. After the tung oil finished curing, there was no dealing with oily counter tops. Once the initial several coats are applied, the finish lasts and lasts. I have done very little maintenance to keep the counter tops in top shape!
To apply the oil, mix the tung oil 50/50 with citrus solvent. A solvent is necessary to help the oil penetrate the butcher block. Mineral spirits is another solvent option that is locally available, but it is not food safe while it is evaporating. Plus, citrus solvent has a way better aroma than mineral spirits! I applied one coat to the underside of the butcher block before installing, because I read that sealing both sides helps to prevent warping.
With gloves, I applied the mixture to the counters with a rag, then let it sit on the counters about an hour before wiping off the excess with a clean rag. I waited a day or two in between coats to let the oil start to sink in. Once the butcher block is completely saturated, water will bead up on the surface. The oil dries to the touch in about a week, and fully cures in about two. Tung oil cures to a smooth hard finish. The counter is safe to use right away, just don't leave papers on it that first week until it dries or they may absorb some of the oil.
This is a photo of the countertops after one heavy coat.
For more details and observations on finishing our butcher block countertops with dark tung oil, check out the original post at http://joyfullytreasured.com/sealing-butcher-block-dark-tung-oil
Resources for this project:
See all materials
Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.More info
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?