How to Refinish a Maple Butcher Block

A maple butcher block is a cutting board or counter that has been crafted by hand and is meant to last for many years. If you are the proud owner of a maple butcher block, you will want to keep it looking good by properly maintaining its surface. The experts at John Boos recommend oiling the top of your butcher block with mineral oil. If you have neglected this job and have a butcher block in need of refinishing, follow these steps to get your block looking like new. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Remove any debris and food particles from the surface of the butcher block. Hold a metal scraper at a 45-degree angle to the surface of the block. Move the scraper away from your body, removing any stuck-on particles.

2

Sand the surface lightly to remove stains and water marks. Rub fine-grit sandpaper across the top in a circular motion. Sand until the stains are removed.

3

Fill any cracks in the block with a mixture of one part paraffin with four parts mineral oil. Work the solution into the block at each crack until the surface of the block is smooth. Scrape off excess wax with the metal scraper.

4

Mix dish-washing soap and water. Dip a sponge into the mixture and clean the surface of the block with the soapy water. Dry the butcher block thoroughly.

5

Saturate a soft cloth with mineral oil. Rub a coat of mineral oil over the maple. Allow the oil to soak into the block overnight.