wooden work top - varnish around sink?

scotcat

Hi

We've just had new ikea kitchen fitted with oak worktops. We have the oil and have treated it a couple of times already. I think I heard that varnishing around the sink is a good idea as the wood can really deteriorate there - does anyone know if this is a good idea? and if so what kind of varnish?

Thanks for all suggestions,

scotcat

Chewbumpkin

I have had wooden worktops for 2o+ years and they are great - wouldn't have anything else now. You do need something to protect the wood near the sink though, as splashes, even if wiped off immediately can rot the wood over time if there is no protection.

I have used several varnishes over the years, the last one being Ronseal Diamond Hard satin finish. They do a quick drying version of this and I can highly recommend it.

As you have been using oil, you may find that varnish will not 'set' and will peel due to the oil in the wood. You could try wiping the wood down with white spirit to remove the oil before varnishing. I would suggest doing a patch test first in a corner. If that doesn't work, you will probably have no other choice but to keep oiling the worktop to keep it protected.

Good luck.:cheesy:

nickj_2

if you keep the wood well oiled you shouldn't have any problems

adaze

I'd agree, just regularly oil (every few months), an oiled surface looks much better than a varnished one.

scotcat

Thanks so much for all the replies. We have already oiled so I guess we'll just keep doing that (religiously) and if in time the sink area looks bad we can always sand it down and varnish it. We have the ikea oil just now but I might buy the Danish oil I see recommended on other posts too.
What a palaver, but it does look great though!

Scotcat

Kay159_2

Going this weekend to order my Ikea kitchen with Oak Worktops
Just wanted to ask you if the worktops come pre-oiled or not and are you pleased with yours ???
Would you recommend further oiling before they are fitted and do I do both sides or just the top surface and edges
Many thanks
Andrea

Igol

Just curious, is 'the oil' Ikeas own expensive version of Danish oil?
Danish oil will take varnish no probs

john175bramley

Kay159 wrote: »

Going this weekend to order my Ikea kitchen with Oak Worktops
Just wanted to ask you if the worktops come pre-oiled or not and are you pleased with yours ???
Would you recommend further oiling before they are fitted and do I do both sides or just the top surface and edges
Many thanks
Andrea

I've used Ikea worktops before:

They are not pre-oiled.
You should oil them after they are fitted, 3 or 4 coats.
I always oil just the top and edges.

john175bramley

Igol wrote: »

Just curious, is 'the oil' Ikeas own expensive version of Danish oil?
Danish oil will take varnish no probs

Ikea oil is a mix of linseed oil and some other oils. I never thought it was that expensive, £4.99 for 750ml.

wfcwfc

Don't varnish any wooden worktops would be my advice, use a thin high quality Danish oil. There is a sequence, oil, leave to dry sand with 120 grit paper, wipe down, re-oil, sand using 150 grit paper re-oil fit the tops and re-oil again. Build up the coats over the next few weeks remember to oil the top, bottom and sides. Any marks that appear sand and re-oil. For the best results buy the best tops they are not in our multiple stores these machine sorted off cuts contain flaws and you will have problems for ever more spend an extra few quid and buy from a manufacturer we used a company in the north of England and they were excellent.