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Solid wood worktops varnish help !!

8 years ago

I have oiled solid wood kitchen worktops that won't keep a shine, and I'm finding these too much hard work. Can I varnish them as the store kitchen displays don't appear to be oiled ??

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Comments (5)

Brandi Nash Hicks
8 years ago
That would not be good for food prep
PRO
User
8 years ago
Oil will not keep a shine. It penetrates the wood and is used to keep the wood from drying with the heat of the kitchen, it prevents it from splitting and prolongs the life of the wood whilst still letting it breathe, ie contract and expand with different temperatures, as that is what wood does. There is no reason why you can't varnish your wood, you need to pick a very hard wearing Floor varnish. However, you still meet with the same disadvantages with oil............as soon as you put something hot on the surface it will leave a mark. Oil or varnish make no difference with regards food prep, you shouldn't prep on either! You will mark the wood, however, from a hygiene perspective a varnished surface is actually better because it's sealed. Most people will choose to prep and dish onto boards of either more wood or glass. I think most people think that by choosing wood they can do what they like to it, pan and heat wise............it's not the case. The only surfaces that are not affected by heat are natural stone.
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PRO
Max Marshall Design
8 years ago
Try using osmo worktop protecter then 2 coats of osmo oil. You will have to leave it for 6 weeks to properly harden but you can always cover the top with hardboard.
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OnePlan
8 years ago
My neighbours used boat varnish on theirs - it always looks shiny now !
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P & P Maintenance Services
8 years ago
We use a 2 pack application on oak worktops now. Very tough and hard wearing product that doesn't require constant re-application. We use Rustins.

http://www.rustins.eu/Details.asp?ProductID=857

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