Urethane Gel for Butcher Block

[Eli]

Cool. Thanks Mac.

[RufflyRustic]

Eli,

I'd be very interested to hear your final decision on re-coating the butchers block. I was looking at my pine laminated kitchen island benchtop this morning, hating all the scratches in it, the finish wearing away... and started thinking about what I'd refinish it in. I have to confess I started thinking hypocritcal thoughts, and then realised that the answer's probably so similar to what's been discussed in this thread.

So, I'm very interested in hearing what you end up doing with your Butcher's block.

Thanks
Wendy

[Eli]

Well, I liked what I heard about Cabot's poly gel from BT, but I have plenty of Tung oil right out in the shed, and I'm ashamed, I hadn't even though of it.

My preference would really be to use the exact product that's on the top right now (and still doing quite well on the sides and bottom), but that's not going to happaen, as it'll be a year at least until I go back stateside, and I'm not sure how jazzed everyone would be about that being in my luggage anyway...

I might try the Tung, just because I have it. Maybe I'll try and get it done this weekend, and report back. I'm moving house in a couple weeks time, so I'm also inclined to (see signature).

[Bleedin Thumb]

Eli, I would have thought that to apply the oil after you have" urethaned" it you would have to sand back every last trace of the finish so that it doesn't go all patchy.


Do a small test patch first.

[Eli]

Well, it's almost totally cleaned off the top. Wouldn't take the Rotex very long! When SWMBO sponges dinner off it I swear I can see the grain raising in a few places.

I'm with you, my concerns with Tung are: incompatibility, and darkening. The top is maple and the Urethane Gel didn't really darken it much at all, it's been a nice mellow color. Not the end of the world if it did. I should just do it.