How to Remove the Finish From a Food Service Butcher Block Table

Sanding the surface of a food service butcher block table will effectively remove the finish. Butcher block tables that get regular use may begin to show marking and wear in the finish. Removing the top layer of the hardwood exposes a new surface on the butcher block table that can be refinished for a revitalized look. Avoid the costly replacement of a used food service table by evenly sanding your butcher block to a smooth, even surface.

Instructions

1

Clean away food debris from the surface of the food service butcher block table by wiping it down with a damp kitchen towel.

2

Load the random-orbit sander with an 80-grit sanding disc and plug it in.

3

Make one pass over the entire surface of the butcher block table using the coarse sanding disc in a tight circular pattern applying medium pressure.

4

Wipe the majority of wood dust off the butcher block's surface with your hand. Feel for rough and uneven areas that may need extra sanding.

5

Change the sanding disc on the random-orbit sander to 120 grit and make a second pass applying a constant medium-light pressure. Sand down damaged areas without spending too much time in one spot or you will create low and high areas.

6

Clear away the wood dust before switching to the 240-grit sanding disc for a third pass. Make larger circles as you apply light pressure with the random-orbit sander.

7

Wipe off the fine wood dust before switching to the 400-grit sanding disc to give the food service butcher block surface an even surface. Let the weight of the sander apply all the pressure as you sand the wood smooth in a large circular pattern.

8

Wipe down the surface of the butcher block with a clean damp kitchen towel. The finish will be removed and the surface of the butcher block table will be smooth newly exposed hardwood.