[maggiemae]

I have been reading the many many threads posted regarding finishing the wood butcher block countertops, and I am pretty sure the Waterlox route seems right for us, as we can be on the messy and splashy side.

I'll be keeping the piece we cut out from the sink, finishing the edges up pretty, then oiling that sucks for my baking/dough rolling surface, and using a regular wood cutting board for veggies and whatnot, so the no cut or food prep on the counter is fine. I just like the idea of not having to worry too much about warping up my beautiful Birch counters with a little water forgotten behind.

So my question is, for the tried and true Waterlox users out there, what kind did you use? The website lists many products, and I am sort of scratching my head at this point. Also how is it applied? Rag? Paint Brush? Oompa Loompas? Help Please?

[kisaacs]

I think I used two different kinds, both the marine sealer and finish (which was probably going overboard, but I figured if it would work for boats, it would work for my countertop):

First, I used the Marine Sealer - I applied this with a rag, as it's not very thick. I think I used 3 coats.

Then I used the Marine Finish. It is much thicker and VERY glossy, so be aware of that if you choose it. This one we applied with a brush --- I think we bought the ridiculously expensive brush on their site. We figured with the amount we were spending on the kitchen, spending $20 on a brush was worth it to get the results right. We applied 2-3 coats of this.

Hope that helps!

Kristen

[NBeth]

We used the Original Sealer and Finish product on our beech counters and I'm pretty sure we used a brush. Tons of coats everywhere, esp on cut edges. Final finish is somewhat glossy, though not high gloss. Others have used the Satin Finish product to tone down the final look but we were being frugal

Figure 12-24 hours between coats, depending on temp and humidity.

Good luck!

[BeachsidePaul]

Good Afternoon Maggiemae!

I am just finishing my Numerar Birch and went with the Original Sealer and the Satin finish. About 4 coats of Sealer and 4 coats of finish all applied with roller. The Waterlox site mentions that they do not suggest the marine sealer for interior use, not sure why but it might not be the same "food-safe" product but I defer that reasoning to minds better than mine. I'll be installing the countertops this weekend (or getting divorced probably ) ... I've attached a couple of pictures of the counters, very poor lighting in my garage I'm afraid. We are really happy with the finish and will recommend it to any and all! Hope this helps, Paul