What should I finish my butcher block with?

You can choose from a matte or gloss finish. If you plan to prep food on your butcher block countertops, look for a food-safe sealer. Using a foam brush, apply sealer over wood surfaces and let dry. Repeat for a final coat.

What finish is recommended for butcher block countertops?

Any finish is safe to use on a butcher-block table or countertop that will not be used as a cutting surface. If the surface won’t be cut on, the answer is simple: Any film-forming finish you would normally choose for durability and appearance will be just fine (Photo 1).

Should I finish the bottom of butcher block?

You will need to finish all surfaces (top, bottom and sides) of your unfinished butcher block or wide plank top with a commercial grade polyurethane or Waterlox finish. Follow manufacturer’s instructions on the polyurethane or Waterlox for finishing coats (usually three or four coats).

Should I polyurethane my butcher block countertops?

To answer the question in short, yes polyurethane is food safe for wood countertops. Per the FDA to become food safe it must be fully cured and dried to the touch which ranges in times. The time it takes to fully cure is anywhere from days to a month.

Can you permanently seal butcher block countertops?

There are a variety of options for permanently sealing and waterproofing butcher block wood countertops, commonly used in kitchens. When considering sealers, there are two types available: penetrating and topical.

Can you polyurethane a butcher block?

Follow these steps to easily waterproof your butcher block countertops with Polyurethane: Sand the counters until they’re completely clean. Vacuum any dirt off the surface and apply a natural stain. Apply a thick coat of Polyurethane, a liquid coating that dries into a plastic.

How do you seal and waterproof butcher block countertops?

A penetrating sealer soaks into a substrate such as wood, concrete or stone, and it seals the pores from the inside. Once it cures, moisture is not able to penetrate the surface. Natural oils are excellent penetrating sealers, and they’re nontoxic, easy to use and make the wood look rich and luxurious.

Should I sand butcher block before sealing?

With proper care, a film finish lasts longer and the product doesn’t have to be re-applied, like oils. To apply a film finish, always start by sanding the surface. Begin with 120-grit sandpaper and work up to 400-grit. Always sand with the grain of the wood, not forgetting the edges.