COUNTERS AND POROUS STONE
WOOD BUTCHER BLOCKS
The finish choice is a function of the desired sheen level and the wood species. The most common approach to finishing wood counters is to use Millie’s All Purpose Penetrating Tung Oil which provides a clear, matte finish that repels all types of foods and liquids.
If the counter is made from Hard or Rock Maple, we recommend that you use the Polymerized Tung Oil Low Lustre as the density of this wood prohibits the deep penetration of the Millie’s product into the wood and it won’t provide adequate protection.
If you prefer some level of sheen on the surface, then using the Polymerized Tung Oil in the desired Lustre would be the preferred choice
It is perfectly acceptable to use either the Original Formula Polymerized or the Botanical Polymerized Tung Oil. The difference in the two formulations is the solvent. The solvent becomes airborne and dissipates leaving the exact same oil in and on the wood. It is more a matter of what type of solvent you want to work with as a personal preference or an environmental concern. The solvent choice is not integral to food safe nature of the coating.
CONCRETE AND SLATE
This has become a popular counter material which does require oiling to keep the surface from spotting. Use our Polymerized Tung Oil Sealer 1 – 2 coats. We don’t recommend using higher Lustres or building much of surface as it becomes increasingly difficult for the higher solids and multiple applications of oil to properly cure.
TERRA COTTA
Terra Cotta is a very porous stone and is often used as a decorative accent in kitchens. It stains very well and you can finish it with of our products. The choice of products is more a function of how much sheen or protections is required. If it is located near potential water splashing, then using one of our fortified finishes in either the Wiping Varnish or the Murdoch line.
If you plan to stain the wood, follow the stain guidelines found on the Old World Concentrated Stain page. You will need to topcoat the stain to protect the surface and either of the finishes listed above are suitable as a topcoat.