Wood butcher block countertops have become a popular choice in kitchen countertops. They give any kitchen a rustic farmhouse look but can also be gussied up with the right hardware to be modern and hip.
The problem with any organic countertop material is that they take on oils and dirt and need to be cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria from taking hold.
Our friends at DIY Life have shared the steps to refresh a butcher block countertop and we think they are valuable tips that can not only serve as a reminder to work on your countertop but also what it takes to maintain a butcher block countertop.
Step 1: If the surface seems sticky and oily, run a wide plastic putty knife over the surface to remove as much of the residue as you can.
Step 2: Mask of the remainder of the kitchen with plastic sheeting and pull on a sanding mask and goggles.
Step 3: Use a palm sander and a sixty-grit sandpaper to remove all of the surface scratches and damage. Work slowly and only in the direction of the grain. Going across the grain can cause more damage than good. Also, remember to keep the sander moving so you keep the surface nice and even. (Make sure you change the paper as soon as it gets gummed up with mineral oil.)
Step 4: When the surface is smooth, change to a hundred-grit paper and sand the whole surface again. Then work down to a hundred and fifty grit paper and finish up with a superfine two hundred grit paper for a smooth finish. Remember to clean the surface between each grit.
Step 5: Once all of the sanding is finished and all of the dust has been cleared, treat the surface with plain mineral oil and a soft cloth, which you can pick up at any drugstore, rubbing it well into the surface. Then let the oil soak in completely before you start using your counter again.
A beautiful counter brought back to life in a few easy steps.
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