Wood worktop oil - help please!!

11 replies

DorsetLass · 03/07/2013 14:41

We had American walnut wortops fitted six months ago - look amazing - but total nightmare to maintain. Initially applied several coats of danish oil - but where sun hits surfaces they dry out really quickly, mark and scratch anywhere. Have been recommended to try tung oil instead - but does this mean sanding them right back? Is it any better ? Any tips really gratefully received.

OP posts:

didireallysaythat · 03/07/2013 16:44

Jung oil is good stuff....

calendula · 03/07/2013 21:40

osmo top oil. It was recommended on here and is by far the best oil I have used. 2-3 coats and you can forget maintenance for the next year or so. We have birch worktops and not a stain in sight. Comes in natural, clear & acacia dark brown. You will need to remove the oil you have now first.

Original poster

DorsetLass · 03/07/2013 23:25

Thanks - did you use the osmo base oil first?

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mrsminiverscharlady · 04/07/2013 09:21

How do you remove the existing oil?

calendula · 04/07/2013 11:17

No base oil. Just 3 coats of top oil. Previous oil can be removed by sanding or wax/oil remover. We sanded our worktops before oiling - cheap worktops from ikea that now look absolutely fantastic. Have also used the oil on a previously waxed table top. Removed wax with liberon furniture cleaner and 000 grade wire wool which does not scratch at all. Took about 45 mins to get wax off.

Original poster

DorsetLass · 04/07/2013 12:39

Thank you! Will order some oil and get sanding - here's hoping for some improvement.

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workingtitle · 04/07/2013 13:32

We have just finished doing ours with Liberon tung and they have come up really well. Used danish in the past but was recommended tung this time.

Sanded the worktops quite heavily with our mouse sander. Then two coats of oil diluted slightly with white spirit, then two coats of pure oil. We sanded lightly between one of the coats (can't remember which) as it felt slightly rough - the oil can bring out the grain in the wood. Make sure you leave the worktops to dry at least overnight between coats. You'll also need some soft cloths (I used microfibre, but have had to chuck them away now so might want to find something more cost effective!)

Full instructions for the Liberon stuff here

Original poster

DorsetLass · 04/07/2013 20:48

Thanks - that is the tung oil I was recommended but was put off as online reviews said difficult to apply but sounds like you found ok.

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Original poster

DorsetLass · 16/08/2013 23:53

Thank you to all for your advice - I am now totally in love with my worktops whereas I was about to rip them out! Removing danish oil was a bit of a pain - but the osmo oil (protector then top coat) are amazing. Osmo as a company were really helpful - and no scratching of wood, great finish and totally water proof. Thanks you!

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Pannacotta · 18/08/2013 10:58

Dorset where did you get the Osmo oil from?
Glad to hear it is good as am about to order wooden worktops...

TKKW · 20/08/2013 21:36

another huge YES for osmo top oil. got our can from amazon. we have ikea solid beech and it has stood up to red wine stains, tea splashes etc.

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