How to Oil Wooden Kitchen Countertops

Keep your butcher block surfaces looking their best with our expert guide featuring product advice, step-by-step instructions and top customer FAQs.

Offering the perfect blend of rustic warmth and contemporary flair, wooden kitchen countertops, especially the popular butcher block style, have become a popular choice in modern Irish homes. But to keep them looking beautiful and performing well in a high-traffic space like your kitchen, proper care is essential. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to oil wood countertops, highlight the best products to use and provide step-by-step instructions to maintain your surfaces for years to come.

 

 

Why Should You Oil Your Wooden Countertops?

Wood is a natural material that responds to its environment. Heat, moisture, food spills and everyday wear can cause wood to dry out, warp, crack, or stain over time. Bare wood alone simply isn't suitable for kitchen conditions – it needs a proper seal to handle the demands of cooking and cleaning. Oil treatments work by forming an essential protective barrier on the wood.

Oiling your wooden countertops helps to:

✔ Preserve their natural beauty

✔ Protect against damage from moisture, UV, stains and daily wear

✔ Extend the lifespan of your kitchen worktops

✔ Ensure a hygienic, food-safe surface

 

Product Spotlight: Osmo Top Oil

To ensure an attractive finish as well as hardwearing durability, Osmo Top Oil is a great option. This product is a unique oil-and-wax formulation made from natural plant oils and waxes. Not only can it be used on wooden worktops, but it is also suitable for use on chopping boards, desks, shelves, and bar countertops. It can be applied to a wide variety of wood types, including, but not limited to, Oak, Beech, Ash, Birch, Pine, and more.

Key Benefits:

✔ Food-safe

✔ Protects against moisture, spills and wear

✔ Microporous (i.e. lets wood breathe)

✔ Doesn’t crack, peel, flake or blister

✔ No sanding required for future recoats

✔ Available in matt or satin finish

✔ VOC-free

 

Tools for the Job

✔ Clean: Osmo Spray Cleaner, lint-free cloth, hoover

✔ Sand: Coarse sandpaper (grit 60–80), medium sandpaper (grit 100–120) & fine sandpaper (220–240)

✔ PPE: Dust mask (if sanding)

✔ Oil: Osmo Top Oil in your choice of colour & finish

✔ Apply: Lint-free cloth

How to Prepare Your Counters for Oiling

1. Clear the surface

Remove all items from the worktop. This is a great opportunity to embrace your inner Marie Kondo and declutter your space.

2. Clean thoroughly

Vacuum up any dust and debris. Then use a gentle cleaning product and a damp cloth to degrease and clean the counter.

3. Let dry fully

Ensure the surface is completely dry before moving to the next stage.

4. Stir the oil

Stir Osmo Top Oil well before use using your trusty Pat McDonnell Paints stirring stick.

💡 First Time Oiling? Don't Forget to Spot Test! If you have never used Top Oil before, it is well worth doing a patch test beforehand to preview the final finish. To do this, simply apply a small amount of oil in a discreet area.

 

How to Refinish a Previously Coated Worktop

1. Sand Back the Surface

Start with coarse sandpaper (grit 60–80) to remove stains or old finishes. Then progress to medium (100–120) and finish with fine grit (220–240). Always sand with the grain for a smooth finish. You can use an orbital sander for large areas if available. Always wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling particles.

2. Remove Sanding Dust

Use a hoover and lint-free cloth to remove all dust before applying oil.

3. Fill Imperfections (Optional)

Use Osmo Woodfiller to repair dents, cracks or small holes. Allow to dry fully before oiling.

4. Apply the Oil

Apply a thin, even coat along the grain with a lint-free cloth. Use circular motions for full coverage.

5. Wipe Off Excess

Immediately wipe away any excess with a clean cloth in the direction of the grain. This helps to prevent a sticky finish.

 

How to Oil a New Worktop

1. Apply Oil Thinly with a Cloth

Using a lint-free cloth, apply a thin layer of oil in the direction of the wood grain using circular motions.

2. Wipe Off Any Excess

Immediately wipe away any excess with a clean cloth in the direction of the grain to avoid a sticky finish.

3. Recoat for Durability

Apply 2–3 coats in total, allowing sufficient drying time between each. You can often apply a second coat within 4–6 hours, but follow product guidance.

 

💡Drying & Curing Times: For Osmo Top Oil, allow 8–10 hours drying time in a well-ventilated room. A full cure takes 2–3 weeks. Avoid heavy use and cover the surface during this period.

 

Maintenance Tips for Oiled Countertops

✔ Avoid placing hot pans directly on the surface

✔ Fit felt pads under appliances or decor

✔ Keep the kitchen well ventilated

✔ Avoid strong substances like vinegar, baking soda or bleach

 

Top Customer FAQs about OIling Wood Countertops

 

How do I fix water marks?

If a spill sits for too long (15+ hours), white marks may appear. Lightly sand the area and reapply oil to restore.

 

How Do I Know When It’s Time to Reapply?

You will need to re-oil your counters when:

✔ Water no longer beads on the surface

✔ The finish appears dull or patchy

✔ You notice increased staining or wear

💧The Water Bead Test: Splash a few drops onto the surface. If they soak in rather than form beads, it’s time to re-oil.

 

How Do You Clean an Oiled Worktop?

✔ Wipe spills promptly

✔ Use a damp cloth only

✔ Avoid using harsh cleaners

 

Whether you’re treating brand new wood countertops or restoring older ones, regular oiling is key to keeping your surfaces hygienic, beautiful, and long-lasting. If you have any more questions about how to oil your kitchen worktops, why not pop into your local branch of Pat McDonnell Paints and speak with a member of our expert staff.