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How to chose best finish for timber benchtop?

Hi there,

I am hoping for advice about the best recoating or resurfacing product for a kitchen benchtop.

We bought this house a year ago and suspect that the prior owners put a new benchtop on as they were selling and didn’t put on a clear coat or anything to protect the wood as it stains insanely easily despite how hard and quickly I clean. I am thinking of sanding it back (thinking orbital sander and then manual sander for fine finish). I’m just asking for advice on the process genuinely or recommendations of Bunnings products, I really don’t want a product that takes a week or two to dry before using the kitchen again if that is at all possible. Thanks so much in advance for any assistance as I’m so over the water and stain damage

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EricL

Hello @lemonsrus

It does appear that the timber benchtop was not sealed properly. The good news is that you've caught it just in time to give it a revamp. Your plan on sanding the surface is spot on, I also suggest investing in a detail sander such as the Ryobi 100W Palm Sander With Bag RPS100-S which can really get into corners. Once you've totally sanded the surface, I suggest giving it a thorough clean and remove all the sanding dust. Mask the sink and cooktop with masking tape to prevent it from getting overpainted when you paint the benchtop.

I suggest using Cabot's 1L Satin Clear Benchtop Timber Finish, it's a clear water based is a highly durable, heat and stain-resistant, a fast-drying varnish that is safe for use on living area and kitchen timber benchtops when the surface is fully cured. Once fully cured, it is resistant to chemicals, oils and heat from hot cups/mugs. I've used the same finish in my home, and it has performed very well. My best advice is to invest in the best roller your budget can afford.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How To Restore A Timber Table In A Few Easy Steps (some of the techniques used are applicable to your project)

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

lemonsrus

Thanks so much Eric! Legend. In terms of a roller just your standard paint roller?

EricL

Hello @lemonsrus

I propose having a look at the UNi-PRO 100mm You Can Do It Gloss And Low Sheen Mini Roller Kit 9mm Nap. It also has a roller for sating finishes. I also recommend having a look at this guide from Monarch - How to Choose the Right Paint Roller.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

lemonsrus

Hi Eric. Sorry for being a bother again. I have a question about curing, I used the same Cabot product and just read it takes 14 days to cure. What does this mean, I cannot leave any appliances on the counter or use a chopping board to cut food for 14 days?

JacobZ

Hi @lemonsrus,

I have answered your question on How to restore a timber benchtop.

Have a look at my advice there and let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

lemonsrus

Hi Jacob, thanks that response is incredibly helpful. Shame about the curing time but I will make do with using appliances in another room. I’m glad to know either way as I suspect this is what happened with the prior owners, hence the stains.

JacobZ

Hi @lemonsrus,

No worries at all.

Don't forget to share some photos once everything is finalised. It would be great to see the end result.

Jacob

carrie45

Hi there, I DIY’d a kitchen table (pine) last year that we essentially used as a benchtop. It was heavily damaged and dark stain when I got it. I used a brilliant waterproof product from Bunnings and gave had zero issues with water, stains - even pen marks come out. I sanded back heavily, then painted the Cabotts Benchtop Clear Gloss on 4 times, lightly sanding in between each application. Project took me 2 days, with full curing in 72hrs from memory. I used an orbital and mouse sander for the job.

EricL

Hello @carrie45

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience in regards to benchtop finishes. Let me tag @lemonsrus to make them aware of your recommendations.

Were keen to hear more about all your projects and plans around the house and garden. Please feel free to reach out whenever you need assistance or would like to share a project with the community.

Eric

lemonsrus

Thanks so much carrie45! The full curing time of 14 days seems a bit too much so I was thinking of making it at 7 days so good to know you had a good outcome with 72 hours

lemonsrus

Just sharing some of the photos after I finished the job. The earlier photos probably didn’t do it justice to how bad it was but it’s wonderful now! Thanks everyone

EricL

Hello @lemonsrus

Thank you very much for sharing those photos of your restored benchtop. It looks fantastic and it should now be protected from moisture damage.

If you need assistance with any other projects, please let us know.

Eric

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