Watco Butcher Block finish

[cecil dean]

Redoing a counter top that was finished with a wipe on Butcher block finish. I am needing something a little more durable. Can I use a poly over the BB finish or do I need to completely sand it off? Any suggestions.

[Scott Holmes]

A film forming finish on a working cutting board is a bad idea. No finish is going to stand up to a sharp knife. Film forming finishes will cut, crack and flake off; not harmful, but not what I want in my cut or chopped food.

Mineral oil and wax are the classic finishes for cutting boards. Melt paraffin wax in mineral oil; about 1 part wax to 5 parts oil, apply warm or at room temp until the wood will not absorb any more, wipe it dry; repeat as needed.

Best to avoid any nut or vegetable oils; they tend to go rancid.

[cecil dean]

I should have said it is not going to be used as a cutting area, only a counter top work area. To set things on, mixer, blender, etc.

[Scott Holmes]

What type of wood are we talking about here? Poly wont stick very well to an oiled wood... it's BEST for floors.

[cecil dean]

Hard Maple flat grain not end grain