[domesticzookeeper]

Originally Posted by MaybeGracie

Before you oil them, you might find this article interesting: https://www.drivenbydecor.com/treati...s-mineral-oil/

We are also looking into getting butcher block countertops and I really appreciated the info on that page.

Very good info! Which is why I would never use oil alone on the counters, and IMO the beeswax is essential to getting both a longer-lasting and grease-free surface protection. Oil does build up in the wood over time and is essential for that early seasoning, but the wax is what gives you the smooth and polished surface over the seasoned wood.

We started seasoning our counter with this, frequently and generously at first, and backing off on the amount as the wood 'drank' less of it in each time. Rule of thumb was to see how quickly it starts to looke matte and dry, and how long water will bead on the surface before being absorbed (a really well-seasoned counter does not absorb water with any speed): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Now we're maintaining with this. Dry wipe the counter clean, apply the wax thoroughly but not in excess, allow to sit for an hour and then buff. After that it's water-resistant and totally smooth to the touch: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Also, I'd highly recommend getting a lil' plastic putty knife from the hardware store. Best way to clean up stuck-on food without resorting to methods that could strip your counters.

---------- Post added at 10:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:46 AM ----------

Just wanted to add that every finish option is going to have its downsides, so I think the best way to be really happy with your counters is to decide ahead of time the amount of upkeep that you're happy maintaining.

I've lived with a high-use Tung oil surface before, and I didn't personally love the way that it aged to have shinier areas mixed in with worn down/chipped-through duller areas. IME it is longer lasting than wax and oil, but not nearly as durable as polyurethane, and refinishing it periodically is a much bigger task than maintaining wax and oil...but you also do it a LOT less often. Kind of a six of one, half-dozen of the other situation

https://www.addicted2decorating.com/...ot-pretty.html (she ultimately stripped her counters and went with mineral oil alone, which I wouldn't personally do, but it reflects my experiences with tung oil)

https://waterlox.com/guide-cleaning-...shed-surfaces/

https://waterlox.com/guide-refreshin...ished-surface/