Butcher block countertops are usually built from a thick piece of teak, walnut, or sugar maple. Its main purpose is to stand the wear and tear that could occur during cutting, chopping, slicing, and dicing. The block of wood is also dealt with mineral oil, almond oil, or beeswax in order to protect its appearance as well as prevent the absorption of bacteria and food odors. You can convert your practical & functional butcher block countertop into a decorative feature by applying a coat of paint. But make sure that before you apply the paint, prepare & make the butcher block ready to accept the paint as well as prevent it from peeling.
5 Easy Steps Of Painting A Butcher Block Countertop
The butcher block countertop is regarded as a popular type of wooden kitchen counter. If the user has a butcher block countertop, then they need to paint the wood in order to protect it as well as enhance its appearance. The steps for painting the butcher block countertop are mentioned below. Follow all the steps carefully in order to achieve the desired result of your work:
- Clean The Block: First of all, you need to make a mixture of mild liquid dish soap (1 tablespoon) & warm water (3 cups). Now, apply this solution to the butcher block countertop in order to clean it down & get rid of any loose dust, dirt, as well as food particles. Make the block dry with the help of a soft cloth.
- Sanding: The next step is to sand the butcher block with the help of 120-grit sandpaper. Make sure to use smooth to-and-fro motions, & smoothly rub down the countertop in order to get rid of the oil finish and roughen up the surface, which in turn makes it ready to accept the paint.
- Dry The Countertop: Now, get rid of the dust that occurred from the sanding process with the help of a damp cloth. Let the butcher block countertop dry entirely before proceeding to the next step.
- Oil-based Paint: Next, apply a thin layer of an oil-based paint with the help of a natural-bristled brush in order to protect the countertop. Avoid using water-based or acrylic paint, due to the reason that both these paint types will not effectively adhere to the butcher block surface. Give the first coat of paint nearly 2 to 3 hours in order to dry completely.
- Dry The Paint: Spread a second and third light coating of the oil-based paint with the help of the natural-bristled brush. Give the final coat at least 24 hours to fully cure before you can again use the butcher block countertop.