Ok, so I talked myself into following the advice I received here and I am putting a mineral oil finish on the cherry counter top that I made. My question is what is the process?
I have sanded the top flat, and I put a coat of mineral oil on and lightly wet sanded it. I allowed it to soak in overnight, and I wiped of the excess in the morning. Nine hours later, I wiped it down again as there was still some oil seeping from the pores.
I’ve put on a second coat, and I am allowing it to soak in now.
How many coats should I put on?
Should I sand between coats?
Can I count on the seeping to eventually stop?
Any thoughts or advice regarding this type of finish would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Jeff
Replies
Mineral oil is not a film-forming finish, nor does it polymerize (dry and harden) in the wood. It does "feed the wood" and can give a nice sheen, and is just about the only acceptable finish for wood that will be in contact with food.
Two coats should be plenty -- for now. Plan on re-oiling this countertop a few times a year. If you don't, moisture will eventually rot it.
Unless you're the lead dog, the view just never changes.
You should slightly heat the oil in a double boiler to make it easier to absorb. Then apply it heavily and let it set overnight. Wipe any residual oil off and then apply a second coat again letting it set overnight. Then wipe it dry keeping at it to get any seepage. That should be enough. No sanding is necessary. Don't think of this as a finish, but rather a treatment. It will have to be periodically renewed when the wood looks dry.
I didn't participate in Round 1, but my recommendation would have been to use a mixture of mineral oil and paraffin. This is the treatment used on many commercial boards and most butcher chopping blocks. It is more durable and the wax allows a slight solf gloss. Mix the oil and wax in about 6-8 parts oil and one part paraffin. Heat the oil to melt in the wax and then apply hot.
I'm on the same page as you. I know I am not dealing with a film finish- that's what I like about it. I've put two coats of straight mineral oil on so far, and I have put both coats on heavy. I have not gone so far as to heat the oil, and I have not added parafin (but I like the idea of a soft gloss). I have kept the heat in shop up to aid in the absorption.
Is it too late to add do the heated Parafin treatment?
How long would you suggest letting things set before I put the counter into service?
I have some idea of what I am doing, but I have a better idea of what I want. Thanks for the help.
Jeff
Yup, too late for the paraffin now. It will not be absorbed while the mineral oil is still on the wood. When it comes time to renew the treatment, use the mineral oil/paraffin mixture.You can use the board as soon as it stops weeping oil. The mineral oil never dries or changes in any way so you can use the board anytime.Howie.........
Thanks.
Jeff
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