Solid Oak Worktop Prep

[chrispriddyuk]

Hi

I have some solid oak worktops ready to be fitted to our kitchen.
I also have some natural clear beeswax to treat them with.

Before fitting I was going to treat the underside with 4 coats of the beeswax
Lightly sand, treat, sand, treat.....

Then once fitted the top needs treating.
My questions are:

Is 4 coats to the underside the right amount?
How many coats over what timescale should I apply to the top?

Many thanks

chris

 

[awbcm]

Have a look at this thread it may be of help.

 

[chrispriddyuk]

Thanks awbcm but there isnt really any treatment advice there just advice about life with them in a kitchen.

 

[Majjie]

Hi Chris,

I don't think beeswax is suitable for kitchen worktops - it's not water resistant is it?

If you want something natural and non-allergenic ... have a look at this:
http://www.norex.f9.co.uk/worktop_oil.htm

And for advice (and some more oil suggestions) look here:
http://www.oakworktops.com/Pages.asp?Page=67

Majjie

 

[woodfinishes1877]

Hi Chris,

As other have indicated I would avoid using beeswax. It's primarily used on decorative furniture normally in conjunction with Shellac Sanding
Sealer. Although this process produces a wonderful finish it will not stand up to much wear and tear.

In my opinion you would be better going for Danish Oil or Worktop Oil.
These finishes offer far greater protection and will need hardly any maintenance. They are both white spirit based and should be left for 12 hours between coats. It's normally recommended that a minimum of 3 coats should be applied by brush or cloth (towelling).

I really hope this helps but please ask any other questions you may have.

woodfinishes1877[/url]

 

[chrispriddyuk]

Hi all, thanks for continuing to post.
Yes, was beginning to think, from research that the recommended beeswax was a bad move.
General recommendation seems to be Danish oil, so I think ill go for that.

So if I do three initial coats over 3 days sanding lightly between coats.
How regular after that should I do it? 6 monthly or over the first few months should I do it more?

Thanks for your ongoing help

chris

 

[woodfinishes1877]

I'd be surprised if you neet to do it more frequently than once every 6 months...the general "rule of thumb" is that once it looks a bit tired put another coat on.

When applying coats in the future I'd recommend that you thin the Danish oil with approximately 10% White Spirit.

woodfinishes1877

 

[chrispriddyuk]

Do the major DIY stores stock a suitable version of Danish or Worktop oil?
Screwfix has http://www.screwfix.com/search.do;j...yncharset=UTF-8&fh_search=Danish+oil&x=0&y=0
We also have Jewson, buildbase nearby.
maybe best to order online and wait?

 

[woodfinishes1877]

You should be able to pick up some Danish Oil from both B&Q and Jewson - the only thing is Danish Oil does not have an industry standard and all manufacturers produce different types. Are you looking for a matt version?

 

[chrispriddyuk]

Yes I would be looking for a matt finish, to be honest I like the sound of the worktop oil you recommended.
Ive been disappointed by the quality of DIY shop products before and kinda think this is something not to get wrong really.
What would be the difference between danish oil and worktop oil?
thanks

 

[woodfinishes1877]

The Worktop Oil has a urethane resin in it making it more durable that Danish Oil. It leaves a great looking matt finish.

 

[chrispriddyuk]

Sounds great
Thanks

chris

 

[paperconservator]

but what would people recommend I do to clean the existing surface? the table has got a bit dirty and is down to bare wood where I've scrubbed hard to get some paper that got stuck. should I get all or most of the existing danish oil off and with what?

 

[woodfinishes1877]

I'd try using White Spirit and a stiff brush to clean off any old residue. Danish Oil is normally deep penetrating so the only way to remove it entirely is to sand it out. Don't think this is usually essential and a good clean with white spirit and then a quick sand should do the job. Then you can proceed with Worktop Finish.

Hope this helps

 

[worktopjig]

We only recommend using Danish Oil - It's an amalgamation of all the best finishing oils out there to create a superior product.

Don't by tempted by Linseed Oil or similar.

Hope this helps,

--

http://www.chippyshop.co.uk Worktop Jig
The UK's BEST Worktop Jig Supplier