Best finish for reclaimed iroko worktop?

[Manchuria]

Hi, we're having our kitchen redone and the worktop will be made from reclaimed school iroko lab tops. They are covered in graffiti (& chewing gum!) and we want to keep the way they look so don't want to over clean them or sand them. My understanding is that oil is the best finish for wooden worktops but can we apply oil to these without sanding first? Would the oil rub off the graffiti that we want to keep? If we need to use varnish, which would be the best one to give it a natural finish & avoid chipping / cracking?

Thanks!

 

[Manchuria]

Also, any tips for getting rid of the chewing gum? I've tried vinegar & peanut butter but neither worked. Is there a chemical solution that does the trick? Most of the gum is stuck to the underside so doesn't matter if it leaves a mark.

 

[Deleted member 174758]

My understanding is that oil is the best finish for wooden worktops but can we apply oil to these without sanding first? Would the oil rub off the graffiti that we want to keep? If we need to use varnish, which would be the best one to give it a natural finish & avoid chipping / cracking?

I'd say forget varnish - Iroko contains natural oils which may well cause the varnish to peel over time. Oil is probably a more sympathetic finish

Also, any tips for getting rid of the chewing gum? I've tried vinegar & peanut butter but neither worked. Is there a chemical solution that does the trick? Most of the gum is stuck to the underside so doesn't matter if it leaves a mark.

Bag of frozen peas over the affected lump for 5 to 10 minutes, sharp 1-1/2in or 2in chisel placed bevel down to the wood, hit with mallet. Works quite a bit of the time but you may need to resharpen your chisel from time to time

 

[foxhole]

Top oil [osmo] and ice for the chewing gum to cool it , or plumbers freezing spray will work in seconds then just knock off.

 

[big-all]

i would be a bit concerened about any chemical residue within the wood