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FAQ -- Care --
Butcherblock
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Q.
What is in Behandla, IKEA's "Wood Treatment
Oil"? Is it Mineral Oil? How do I finish my
IKEA wood countertops?
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A.
No, it's not Mineral Oil. It's (and I quote)
"Tung oil, linseed oil, methylcellulose, lead
free drying agent, plant-based emulsifier,
water." They say it's been approved for
use in contact with foodstuffs (their word, not
mine), but they also say "Soak cloths in
water to prevent the risk of spontaneous
combustion." I'm going to use 100% Food
Grade Mineral Oil or maybe Spoon Oil (Mineral Oil
+ Beeswax), but that's me...YMMV. Note:
If you use a Behandla that features a colorant
(some do) you'll eventually end up with an
unevenly colored worktop.
Others have used Polyurethane, but don't use
their counters as a butcher block.
Grlwprls
got excellent results with 100% Tung oil,
sandpaper and a little muscle. This is
what she writes about it: "The
wooden worktops come with one application of
oil. All I did was rub in the first coat of
tung oil like waxing a car, and then for each
additional coat, I sanded with a 220 or 320
grit sanding block, cleaned up with a tack
cloth and rubbed in the next coat of oil. I
let each coat dry 6-12 hours. I did 5 in all -
and it was really easy. Water completely beads
on the surface and you can see the oil has
penetrated well into the wood when you look at
the edge of the countertop."
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Pronomen
Beech Tung Oil Finish vs. Factory Finish |
Q.
I've already used the Behandla oil. Can I switch to
tung oil now?
A.
Yes, you can switch to tung oil after using Behandla, a
penetrating oil treatment. Tung oil is renewable--simply
do a light sanding and then apply the oil. An
application of about 5-6 coats will give a nearly
waterproof finish that will stand up to daily cleaning with
mild soap and water.
Q.
I am using more than one piece of the
Pronomen/Numerar butcherblock countertop. How best to
seam them?
A. At
least one finish carpenter recommends 'Tite Joint'
fasteners for pulling the countertops together.
Caulk/glue isn't needed with this fastener and the seams will
be joined tightly and resist twisting and warping.
Fasteners are available on the web from places like Rockler.
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