I'm putting a Butcher Block countertop in at current remodel. Started the business a year ago. Thanks for the tips, now I know what I'm going to finish it with. 👍
Hi, the project looks great. I just wanted to let you know the suggested cure time for coats from Watco is 6 hours @72 degrees(room temp). Aside from that thanks for the tips, I'm installing European Ash block tops myself and your video helped. I'm gonna reuse the end cuts and sink cutouts as cutting boards, extend the tops life. 😉
Awesome video... I'm installing my 2nd butcher block countertop because the first one is splitting into pieces because I didnt seal it at all.. so this one I'm going to seal it with the Watco stuff that you used thanks for the tips and tricks brother 👍👍👍
My wife and I are remodeling are kitchen and she wanted butcher block countertops we got our stuff today and going to put a deep sink in like yours but I had not clue what to use on the countertop to stain it when it's time so I looked it up and found you very nice video looks easy to do but have a question should I let it dry overnight and put a second coat on? Thanks for the video loved it.
Love this video! Thank you for posting! Before watching your video, I had done part of my countertop so far, and the second coat has a few blotchy spots! I sanded and used tack cloth, but I’m wondering if I did it too thick? I definitely did it thicker, thinking I’d been too conservative with the first coat. I noticed the first coat absorbed and dried much quicker than the second as well. Any advice or anything I could do better? How can I fix the blotchy spots? (I should note probably no one other than I would notice them😜)
Great video! My countertop was not treated properly after installation and it has some black water marks near the sink. Any advice on how best to get those out before applying the protective coating?
Do you have any experience with the mix that the forest service uses to seal wood, mineral spirits and boiled linseed oil and paraffin wax? I’m wondering if that would work for a deck, it seems to waterproof wood well
I liked the way you did your butcher block with the two coats .But all I would like to do is just keep it natural .I will be eating off of it so what can I do next .Thank you again and I will wait for your answer .
Hi Heathrow. I just finished my butcher block. It looks great thanks to you. I have a white tile backsplash that is all done as well. My question is this: what caulk color should I use for the filler between the butcher block and the white subway tile: clear, white, or light brown? Thanks!
White as it will hide the most, clear will not. Brown might if it is close enough to the countertop color, but it will look weird on the back splash regardless.
How often should I apply this to a new butcher block counter top after install? I thought I had seen that in your video, but cannot find the answer now. Appreciate the assistance.
Hey! Thanks for following along. It has a bit of a shiny sheen. I definitely prefer a matte look but the shine isn’t too strong. Yep, protects the wood from water!
How are they holding up? I just bought my butcher block and was doing some research on if i have to seal all sides of the block? do you know by chance?
Hi Heathrow Thanks for posting this video very handy for me as I have this type of countertop as well. Q. Do you need to condition the wood prior to add the stain? Thanks
Question, I'm putting in a butcher block countertop in my Ambulance camper build. I'm concerned about the extreme temperature changes. Should I use a oil based varnish on all sides? I'm thinking several coats. Any thoughts? 🚑❤
Looks great! Maybe you can help us with ours? We applied mineral oil everyday for almost two weeks, Unfortunately, the mineral was not sealing the wood from water at all and we were getting sick of the constant work. My husband sanded the countertop surface with 400 grit very well and we applied a first coat of watco oil and finish with a miniwax handheld stainpad and it is tacky after 12 hours. What now? Any advice?
My husband just made a beautiful butcher block counter for our kitchen island. As I do not intend to use it to cut food on it, as I have enough boards to use fir prepping food so I want to be sure to use the right finish so I don’t have to worry about it yellowing and still remain with a beautiful finish. It’s been on our island for 3 weeks now and I keep watching not to drop anything on it but will have to resand a bit before finishing it. What would you propose I use to finish my butcher block counter. TY
Will birch have more of an amber effect that seems to be the only butcher block I can find around me. I really like the light non yellowing of your countertops, what type of wood did you use? Have your counters ambered over time since finishing?
Have you been able to test the product to see if water stains get left on the butcher block. We are thinking of using the same product for an Airbnb rental but are worried guest might leave a cup out and moisture will leave a ring on the countertop.
Awesome Video man! Question for you, my wife will be using a colored stain or some sort of paint on our butcher blocks (she really likes color). Would this finish still be a viable solution with a layer or paint or colored stain underneath it?
@@dropndeal It actually didn't turn out that bad at all! I did mess up on my epoxy pour but everything else went fine. If you want pictures of the island let me know.
I’m sorry is this a oil based sealant or is it wat.er based? Wishing I could see the end finish in closer details and if the end product is shinny ....satin or matte? Can you answer this for me please
Hi, this looks amazing. I have a smallish island in granite, that doesn't look so great anymore...do you think that I could effectively put a butcher block on top of the old counter, perhaps with a lip to keep it in place? I'm thinking that I don't want to demo the old counters
Hi, what color and brand of paint did you use on the bottom cabinets? I have considered doing exactly what u have done with your cabinets (two toned), but I struggled finding that soft sage green that it appears that you may have. Applying our butcher block today. Thank you for your help.
So a year after you used this, how is it holding up? Are your countertops still waterproof? Did you have any raised grain after your final finish? We are installing our new countertops next weekend and I’m looking for the best option bc my SIL used the mineral oil protocol and it raised the grain on hers even though she sanded between coats. TIA for any info!
They are holding up okay. Around the sink needed a better caulk job and more finish probably. No raised grain issue. I’d say they are holding up 8/10. When I do it again I’ll pay more attention around the sink area.
I have been hemming and hawing over sealant for our butcher block counters when we put them in. This Watco stuff has been on the list but it says it’s not moisture resistant, won’t that cause issues for like around the sink area and faucet areas. I’m having a really hard time finding what to use for them so hey don’t warp or have moisture damage. I know teak and rung oil are moisture resistant but they aren’t good safe. Any ideas or will the watco be totally safe?
Honestly, I’ve had no issues around the sink. I’d definitely choose this product again. If you’re worried about the sink edge you could use some polyurethane there. Good luck with your project!
Thank! Super happy with out they turned out. BB should last a very long time if maintained well. I’ll probably coat them every year or two to keep them looking their best.
Thank you! My friend just got a butcher block countertop and we got the Watco butcher block oil. I already applied the first coat but didn't have any rags so I used a crappy paper towel. It didn't work so well for that first coat. So, 3 hours is enough time between coats? Or should I wait longer? Can 320 grit sandpaper be used in between. No 400 grit available at stores in my area. Will a staining cloth be ok for applying the oil? I will have to grab some tack clothes from the store next time I go.
@@pdxheathrow I live in a particularly humid climate so things take longer to dry. I did another coat with a proper staining cloth & it went on better, but then his dumb gf put metal cans on it before it cured & stained it so I have to sand it off again and redo it. Another friend just got a butcherblock counter that I'm going to seal as well.
How does this work with water drops. My counters are three months old and I’m constantly fighting spots from water of the sink. I keep re applying my mineral oil liberally. Looking for something better
Hey bro, im making a desk with a birch butcher block. I want to protect it with a clear coat but i want to keep the natural color color it has. I tested a matte finish oil clear coat but it intensifies the color of the wood. Any suggestions?
Hey! Great question. That’s a tricky one. Any finish you add to the wood will change the color at least a little bit. You could test Satin Wipe On Polyurethane. That might be your best bet.
@@pdxheathrow i really liked the effect of the product you used in this video. I think the countertop kept a very natural look. Do you think this might work similarly on birch?
Yeah, love the look of this product. It does have a bit of a sheen which I’d prefer if it was matte but that’s the only downside. Definitely play with it all and do more tests. You’ll find a good one 👍
Help, I spilled bacon grease on a new walnut butcher block counter top. It's left a stain. How do I get rid of the stain? Do I have to re-sand the entire countertop and start over, treating the whole countertop, so it matches?
Oh no! Well, you could just try giving it all a sanding then hitting with another type of oil to see if you could match the bacon grease? That’s a tough one. Might have to sand the whole deal 😞
thanks for the video, hubby is doing a countertop island with butcher block, we purchase the Watco at Lowes, but I would like a darker color, can this Watco be apply first for extra protection, then add a darker stain?? or do you have any suggest on what else to use?
Thanka for watching! I’d suggest doing the stain FIRST, before applying the watco. Also it’s always a great idea to test a piece before applying it to your countertops. Will you have any cut offs for testing? Good luck with your project. Butch block is very user friendly.
Are you applying with a paper towel? I applied with a stain sponge and it looked thick. I couldn't control. Arghhh I wish I have watched you before I did.
I use a product called “Rich’s Rub”. It is beeswax and mineral oil. 100% ..... no additional chemicals. Watco. has Tung Oil, petroleum and a stoddard solvent. It also has resin and isomers.
Why didn't you finish the bottom? Or at least you didn't show that... I know that might not be part of maintenance but shouldn't it be part of installation? Most videos I have watched or articles I read so far finish the bottom, I guess so the wood can breathe evenly to avoid warping/ cracking etc. You also didn't show what you do where two pieces meet. I imagine that crack would be a magnet for food, moisture, dirt etc. So what did you do?
I didn't feel it was totally necessary to finish the bottom. It's been in for over a year now with no issues as far as wrapping or cracking. Honestly holding up great. Stay tuned for a follow up video. I'll give you a good look at the crack.
I'm putting a Butcher Block countertop in at current remodel. Started the business a year ago. Thanks for the tips, now I know what I'm going to finish it with. 👍
This has been a really amazing series. I'm waiting for the final flooring update and the dreaded trim reinstall
Haha dreaded indeed! Thanks for following along. Stay tuned.
Great video! This is the finish I bought and I love the way yours came out. very happy with my decision now. Thank You
Hi, the project looks great. I just wanted to let you know the suggested cure time for coats from Watco is 6 hours @72 degrees(room temp). Aside from that thanks for the tips, I'm installing European Ash block tops myself and your video helped. I'm gonna reuse the end cuts and sink cutouts as cutting boards, extend the tops life. 😉
Oh man, you’re totally right! Thanks for watching. Great idea to reuse the cut offs. Butch block is the best.
Awesome video... I'm installing my 2nd butcher block countertop because the first one is splitting into pieces because I didnt seal it at all.. so this one I'm going to seal it with the Watco stuff that you used thanks for the tips and tricks brother 👍👍👍
Always seal the Bottom, Ends any exposed areas before installation.
Awesome! What’s the finish feel like? Super smooth like a polyurethane?
Mine are still a little rough to the touch, I just use an oil finish
My wife and I are remodeling are kitchen and she wanted butcher block countertops we got our stuff today and going to put a deep sink in like yours but I had not clue what to use on the countertop to stain it when it's time so I looked it up and found you very nice video looks easy to do but have a question should I let it dry overnight and put a second coat on? Thanks for the video loved it.
Your countertops look amazing! Thank you for all the tips.
Love this video! Thank you for posting! Before watching your video, I had done part of my countertop so far, and the second coat has a few blotchy spots! I sanded and used tack cloth, but I’m wondering if I did it too thick? I definitely did it thicker, thinking I’d been too conservative with the first coat. I noticed the first coat absorbed and dried much quicker than the second as well. Any advice or anything I could do better? How can I fix the blotchy spots? (I should note probably no one other than I would notice them😜)
Thanks man I’m doing this weekend 🙌🙏🏻
Great video! My countertop was not treated properly after installation and it has some black water marks near the sink. Any advice on how best to get those out before applying the protective coating?
Do you have any experience with the mix that the forest service uses to seal wood, mineral spirits and boiled linseed oil and paraffin wax? I’m wondering if that would work for a deck, it seems to waterproof wood well
On a DECK ... You need to use Treated Lumber to start with.
I liked the way you did your butcher block with the two coats .But all I would like to do is just keep it natural .I will be eating off of it so what can I do next .Thank you again and I will wait for your answer .
Great video!
Hi Heathrow. I just finished my butcher block. It looks great thanks to you. I have a white tile backsplash that is all done as well.
My question is this: what caulk color should I use for the filler between the butcher block and the white subway tile: clear, white, or light brown? Thanks!
I did the same and have same Q!
White as it will hide the most, clear will not. Brown might if it is close enough to the countertop color, but it will look weird on the back splash regardless.
@@Soandsoguy thank you!
How often should I apply this to a new butcher block counter top after install? I thought I had seen that in your video, but cannot find the answer now. Appreciate the assistance.
I wonder the same!?
Hi, great job! I like what u did,
does this product gives a mat finish or is it shiny? Does it protect wood from water? Thanks!
Hey! Thanks for following along. It has a bit of a shiny sheen. I definitely prefer a matte look but the shine isn’t too strong. Yep, protects the wood from water!
How are they holding up? I just bought my butcher block and was doing some research on if i have to seal all sides of the block? do you know by chance?
How long does that coating last and what do I use to clean the butchers after I cook and meal prep that won’t damage that coating?
Should I put a wood conditioner on first? Or will it mess up the Watco finish?
Is that a Sinkology under mount farmhouse sink? Wondering how far back to drill the hole for the faucet.
Hi Heathrow
Thanks for posting this video very handy for me as I have this type of countertop as well. Q. Do you need to condition the wood prior to add the stain?
Thanks
I have already put on mineral oil. Can you put this Watco over or do I need to sand it all off?
did you end up finding out?
With gun stocks there's a technique for sealing the pores of the wood which is to sand in the finish. Is this a thing for countertops?
Question, I'm putting in a butcher block countertop in my Ambulance camper build. I'm concerned about the extreme temperature changes. Should I use a oil based varnish on all sides? I'm thinking several coats. Any thoughts? 🚑❤
how to seal if i don’t want to use it for chopping… water based or oil based?
Looks great! Maybe you can help us with ours? We applied mineral oil everyday for almost two weeks, Unfortunately, the mineral was not sealing the wood from water at all and we were getting sick of the constant work. My husband sanded the countertop surface with 400 grit very well and we applied a first coat of watco oil and finish with a miniwax handheld stainpad and it is tacky after 12 hours. What now? Any advice?
You need to use paint thinner to clean up as much as possible, then sand then watco. It'll dry.
Is there a reason to wait til after installation to finish it. Or can you do it first?
Sounds good. Do you put any finish on the underneath parts of butcher block?
It should be completely sealed.
My husband just made a beautiful butcher block counter for our kitchen island. As I do not intend to use it to cut food on it, as I have enough boards to use fir prepping food so I want to be sure to use the right finish so I don’t have to worry about it yellowing and still remain with a beautiful finish. It’s been on our island for 3 weeks now and I keep watching not to drop anything on it but will have to resand a bit before finishing it. What would you propose I use to finish my butcher block counter. TY
Great video, in the process of painting cabinets, what color did you use,wife really likes it,thank you
Hey Adam, thanks for following along! Its Clary Sage from Sherwin Williams.
Is there waterproof applications that’s still food safe?
Will birch have more of an amber effect that seems to be the only butcher block I can find around me. I really like the light non yellowing of your countertops, what type of wood did you use? Have your counters ambered over time since finishing?
Looking for the same answer
They won't yellow. Water based polyurethane won't yellow either. Everything else will.
My butcher block countertop and island were sanded, cleaned, and stained. But they’re rough. Should I resend again and restain?
Have you been able to test the product to see if water stains get left on the butcher block. We are thinking of using the same product for an Airbnb rental but are worried guest might leave a cup out and moisture will leave a ring on the countertop.
Yup. No water stains yet. We only did 3 coats also. You can do more coats for more protection.
@@pdxheathrow thank you sir!
Awesome Video man! Question for you, my wife will be using a colored stain or some sort of paint on our butcher blocks (she really likes color). Would this finish still be a viable solution with a layer or paint or colored stain underneath it?
@@dropndeal It actually didn't turn out that bad at all! I did mess up on my epoxy pour but everything else went fine. If you want pictures of the island let me know.
Looks great! What color are the cabinets?
Clary Sage from Sherwin Williams
So is this waterproof? Sorry if you mentioned it and I just missed it
I’m sorry is this a oil based sealant or is it wat.er based? Wishing I could see the end finish in closer details and if the end product is shinny ....satin or matte? Can you answer this for me please
Says "Oil & Finish" on the can.
Hello,
How did finish hold up?
Thanks
Hi, this looks amazing. I have a smallish island in granite, that doesn't look so great anymore...do you think that I could effectively put a butcher block on top of the old counter, perhaps with a lip to keep it in place? I'm thinking that I don't want to demo the old counters
You can buy granite polishing wheels and restore it.
Do u treat under the coutertops as well?
You want to seal the entire block to prevent the wood from bending due to moisture.
Hi, what color and brand of paint did you use on the bottom cabinets? I have considered doing exactly what u have done with your cabinets (two toned), but I struggled finding that soft sage green that it appears that you may have. Applying our butcher block today. Thank you for your help.
Clary Sage by Sherwin Williams
So a year after you used this, how is it holding up? Are your countertops still waterproof? Did you have any raised grain after your final finish?
We are installing our new countertops next weekend and I’m looking for the best option bc my SIL used the mineral oil protocol and it raised the grain on hers even though she sanded between coats. TIA for any info!
They are holding up okay. Around the sink needed a better caulk job and more finish probably. No raised grain issue. I’d say they are holding up 8/10. When I do it again I’ll pay more attention around the sink area.
@@pdxheathrow thanks for the reply back!
very helpful, thanks
I know you are showing this by the sink, but is it really OK with the water?
Did you seal the other side also😊
If it’s brand new and pre sanded do you have to sand?? We are using for a desktop but plan on using the watco...
Yes, you still need to sand but you can probably start with a finer grit like he did in the video.
Yup still sand if it's brand new. Follow the instructions on your finish basically.
Can I stain my tops after they’ve been oiled?
Can I apply that finish to a butcher block that has already been oiled and waxed? I’m getting sick of always applying the oil
I have been hemming and hawing over sealant for our butcher block counters when we put them in. This Watco stuff has been on the list but it says it’s not moisture resistant, won’t that cause issues for like around the sink area and faucet areas. I’m having a really hard time finding what to use for them so hey don’t warp or have moisture damage. I know teak and rung oil are moisture resistant but they aren’t good safe. Any ideas or will the watco be totally safe?
Honestly, I’ve had no issues around the sink. I’d definitely choose this product again. If you’re worried about the sink edge you could use some polyurethane there. Good luck with your project!
@@pdxheathrow awesome thanks!
Any reason why you used paper towels instead of a cloth of some sort?
Looking good! They turned out looking really sharp. How long do you think a BB will last if properly taken care of over time?
Thank! Super happy with out they turned out. BB should last a very long time if maintained well. I’ll probably coat them every year or two to keep them looking their best.
How is the countertop holding up?
Do you sand at all after the final coat or just let it dry?
How many coats did you do?
Thank you! My friend just got a butcher block countertop and we got the Watco butcher block oil. I already applied the first coat but didn't have any rags so I used a crappy paper towel. It didn't work so well for that first coat. So, 3 hours is enough time between coats? Or should I wait longer?
Can 320 grit sandpaper be used in between. No 400 grit available at stores in my area.
Will a staining cloth be ok for applying the oil?
I will have to grab some tack clothes from the store next time I go.
Nice! 3 hours should be enough time. 320 is fine. Paper towels / staining cloth is good.
@@pdxheathrow I live in a particularly humid climate so things take longer to dry. I did another coat with a proper staining cloth & it went on better, but then his dumb gf put metal cans on it before it cured & stained it so I have to sand it off again and redo it. Another friend just got a butcherblock counter that I'm going to seal as well.
If i see shadows of dryness what should i do?
How does this work with water drops. My counters are three months old and I’m constantly fighting spots from water of the sink. I keep re applying my mineral oil liberally. Looking for something better
Works great! Water does not soak in and is easily cleaned up.
What if it’s pre-stained? Won’t the sanding remove the stain?
Does the butcher block still naturally darken in time if it's treated with this stuff?
only slightly
Just bought the exact stuff in this video, same brand same size, from Home Depot. $75 with tax. Inflation suuuuuucks.
Thanks for the tips
What finish did you use
Hey bro, im making a desk with a birch butcher block. I want to protect it with a clear coat but i want to keep the natural color color it has. I tested a matte finish oil clear coat but it intensifies the color of the wood. Any suggestions?
Hey! Great question. That’s a tricky one. Any finish you add to the wood will change the color at least a little bit. You could test Satin Wipe On Polyurethane. That might be your best bet.
@@pdxheathrow i really liked the effect of the product you used in this video. I think the countertop kept a very natural look. Do you think this might work similarly on birch?
Yeah, love the look of this product. It does have a bit of a sheen which I’d prefer if it was matte but that’s the only downside. Definitely play with it all and do more tests. You’ll find a good one 👍
@@pdxheathrow thank a lot for your input. Which is exactly the product you used?
Watco Butcher Block Oil
Nice video. Just make sure it’s food safe.
The Watco butcher block finisher is food safe, as he said.
Do you not need to put a finish on the bottom?
Whatdid you use for sealing
where did you get your butcher block
What kind of wood was it?
Are these Birch by chance?
Help, I spilled bacon grease on a new walnut butcher block counter top. It's left a stain. How do I get rid of the stain? Do I have to re-sand the entire countertop and start over, treating the whole countertop, so it matches?
Oh no! Well, you could just try giving it all a sanding then hitting with another type of oil to see if you could match the bacon grease? That’s a tough one. Might have to sand the whole deal 😞
Use baking soda and lemon juice for stains😁
can you put poly on top of watco butcher block
thanks for the video, hubby is doing a countertop island with butcher block, we purchase the Watco at Lowes, but I would like a darker color, can this Watco be apply first for extra protection, then add a darker stain?? or do you have any suggest on what else to use?
Thanka for watching! I’d suggest doing the stain FIRST, before applying the watco. Also it’s always a great idea to test a piece before applying it to your countertops. Will you have any cut offs for testing? Good luck with your project. Butch block is very user friendly.
Can you update up on how it’s holding up now a year later?
Mines been 4 days and it’s still super sticky ????
Who is that jazz music ?
I know this is maple but can this look be achieved with birchwood instead?
Yeah! I think birch would look nice. It’s all about color preferences. If you have birch available I’d say go for it!
Do u think i could use this if I put mineral oil on first?
Possibly. Depends on how long ago it was. You could test it in a small area first. Good luck!
Can you put a coat of polyurethane over it????
Hi, could I ask if this is maple or birch?
Hey, thanks for watching. It’s maple.
Thanks!
Might want to put a coat of finish on those window frames, they look rotted...
Did you tell what product you used?
Watco Butcher Block Oil, great stuff!
Is this a glossy finish
Yeah unfortunately it has a bit of gloss. We would prefer a matte finish.
You look like Gabriel Gonzaga... War Napao
Haha thanks?
Food safe is not the same as food grade. You need food grade conditioner (like Howard) if you are prepping food on the surface.
Is Danish oil the same as waco?
Watco makes danish oil and the butcher block oil that I used.
Hi, so is this poly?
Its not poly. It’s watco butch block oil.
Are you applying with a paper towel? I applied with a stain sponge and it looked thick. I couldn't control. Arghhh I wish I have watched you before I did.
Would make life easier to just remove the faucet.
I use a product called “Rich’s Rub”. It is beeswax and mineral oil. 100% ..... no additional chemicals. Watco. has Tung Oil, petroleum and a stoddard solvent. It also has resin and isomers.
Where do you find this product. Looking for something similar to Waco but not liking the idea of tung oil after researching
Brush in the end grain.
100%
do you not do the bottom?
Why didn't you finish the bottom? Or at least you didn't show that... I know that might not be part of maintenance but shouldn't it be part of installation? Most videos I have watched or articles I read so far finish the bottom, I guess so the wood can breathe evenly to avoid warping/ cracking etc. You also didn't show what you do where two pieces meet. I imagine that crack would be a magnet for food, moisture, dirt etc. So what did you do?
I didn't feel it was totally necessary to finish the bottom. It's been in for over a year now with no issues as far as wrapping or cracking. Honestly holding up great. Stay tuned for a follow up video. I'll give you a good look at the crack.
Finish the bottom!
I varnished my salad bowl 🤮
Don't paper towels leave a lot of lint?
Can u use a polyurethane/clear to seal a butcher block counter top?
Sure can.