Step By Step Guide Of Staining The Butcher Block
Butcher block is famously known as one of the popular types of a wooden kitchen counter. The butcher block needs to be stained in order to protect it as well as enhance its appearance. The easy step by step guide of staining the butcher block is shown below. Follow all the steps carefully in order to achieve the desired result:
- Sanding: Use a coarse 80-grit sandpaper to sand the butcher block. The coarse sandpaper will help to remove any of the prior stains or varnishes from the surface of the butcher block, as well as marks or the scratches it has on the surface. Sand in the long strokes in the direction of the grain of the wood.
- Sand Again: After the above sanding is done then sand the wood again using 150-grit sandpaper. Use the coarse-grit paper, to sand the surface again in the long strokes in the same direction of the wood grain. The fine-grit sandpaper will help to remove any marks that may be left by the coarse sandpaper and will prepare the wood to receive the stain strongly. Once the sanding is done then use a paper towel or simply a clean rag to wipe off the dust that may be left behind after sanding.
- Wood Conditioner: Brush the first layer of wood conditioner. With the help of a 3 inches paintbrush apply it in an even layer across the entire surface of the butcher block. Apply in long as well as even strokes that must be parallel to the direction of the wooden blocks. Leave the conditioner to dry for at least 2 hours. Use a water-based conditioner for a water-based stain. Likewise, for an oil-based stain, buy an oil-based conditioner.
- Last Sanding: Once the butcher block is completely dry then give it a final time sanding with 220-grit sandpaper over the entire surface of the butcher block. Sand in the same way as before, use long strokes in the direction in which the blocks are laid. The user needs to be sure to remove any splotches as well as discoloration that is caused by the conditioner. With the help of a clean rag wipe off the fine dust that may be left from sanding.
- Choose A Stain: The user can choose a water or oil-based wood stain in the color of the choice. The oil-based stains last longer and are more stain-resistant. Besides that, they also penetrate more deeply in the wood. However, water-based stains are quicker to apply.
- Test The Stain: On a small section of the butcher block it is important to test the stain. Use a fresh 3 inches paintbrush to apply the first coat of stain on the butcher block. Apply the stain on the wood generously, like staining the actual countertop.
- Dry: Leave the stain to dry for about 2 hours and then inspect the color. If the block has an even and the consistent color and the stain has brought out the actual texture of the wood grain, then the user is ready to stain the entire block.
- Apply The Stain: Apply a layer of stain which must be parallel to the direction of the boards. Dip the paintbrush in the can of stain, and to wring the excess stain tap it against the side. Apply stain on every surface of the butcher block. It is advisable to stain in long strokes in the direction of the wooden slats.
- Let The Stain Dry: Leave the stain to dry for at least 8 hours, the stain must be fully dry before applying a second layer. Avoid setting any of the objects on the wet stain during drying time.
- Second Layer Of Stain: Apply the other layer of stain to the butcher block in the same way as the first coat. The second coat will further help to darken the wood, and will also ensure that the top of the butcher block is well protected against scratches. Leave the stain to dry for complete night.
- Sealing: Atlast apply a layer of tung oil as this will help to seal the stained butcher block. Simply dip a clean and dry cotton cloth into the tung oil or waterlox. Then rub the cloth across the surface of the stained butcher block. Apply 4 layers of tung oil on the butcher block, but make sure that each layer is fully dry before applying another layer.