Wooden worktops add warmth and character to any interior space, but the natural surface requires the right worktop oil for essential care to keep the wood protected and looking its best.
Using worktop oil for surfaces such as kitchen worktops, dining tables, chopping boards, counters, and other hardworking surfaces, ensures durability and longevity, while protecting the wood from spills, stains, moisture and more.
What Oil is Best for Wooden Worktops?
The best oil for wooden worktops is a high-quality hardwax oil. Osmo TopOil is food-safe (EN 1186), water-resistant, and enhances the natural grain of the wood. Along with providing long-lasting protection, TopOil comes in a choice of 7 clear or colour finishes to suit your interior.
The worktop oil has exceptional coverage of up to 30m² per litre, with a microporous, breathable finish which does not crack, peel or flake overtime – perfect for demanding environments.
TopOil is also supplied within a handy all-in-one TopOil Surface Kit. This ready-to-use kit includes 500ml TopOil 3058 Clear Matt product with application tools and Spray Cleaner. However, all these Osmo items are of course available separately via the Tools and Accessories section if you prefer one of the other 6 TopOil finishes.
What is the Best Oil Finish for Worktops?
The best oil finish for worktops is one of the three most popular Osmo TopOil finishes. Two are clear finishes in either 3028 Satin and 3058 Matt which emphasises the wood grain and its warm natural characteristics. While 3068 Natural Matt appears clear, it’s classed as a Natural finish which allows the wood to retain its lighter character rather than a warm character, due to the use of optimally balanced white pigments.
White Worktop Oil
For a white scandi-look wooden worktop, 3037 White with a Satin finish offers worktops with a white transparent tint while allowing the wood grain to remain visible through the TopOil wood oil colour.
Dark Worktop Oil
In comparison, the remaining three transparent colours within the TopOil range offer a darker finish to your wood. 3061 Acacia Matt provides modern elegance with a colour that protects, 3038 Terra Satin provides a much darker brown finish similar to a dark oak effect, and 3039 Graphite Satin provides a darker finish but in a grey hue, rather than brown.
How Do I Protect My Oak Kitchen Worktop?
One of the most popular applications for TopOil is an oak kitchen worktop. To protect your oak kitchen worktop counter, you can follow these steps:
- Ensure the oak surface is correctly sanded and ready for oil application
- Optional: Apply Osmo Wood Protector 4006 as a pre-treatment to raise the water repellent qualities of the timber before applying Osmo TopOil
- Apply two thin, even coats of Osmo TopOil in your preferred clear or colour finish
- Allow the worktop oil to dry and fully cure in a ventilated environment
- Once cured, your worktop is ready to use
Remember, wood is a natural material which needs nourishment and protection for optimum longevity, and a wood finish is not indestructible. Here are some Top Tips for your newly oiled wooden worktop:
- Wipe up spills immediately to prevent unwanted stains
- Use heat-resistant mats for hot pans and dishes
- Regularly clean with a damp cloth and Osmo Spray Cleaner. Do not use harsh supermarket cleaners as these will ruin your oiled finish and strip the wood from its natural oils.
How Often Should I Oil My Worktop?
Initially, it is recommended to oil your worktop twice during installation, with or without a base coat of Osmo Wood Protector.
Afterwards, it is highly recommended to reapply one coat of TopOil onto the clean and dry wood surface when signs of wear become visible. This could be every 3-6 months depending on how demanding your environment is. Learn more about how long a surface finishes with with Osmo oils will last.
Water Droplet Test
An easy test to tell when it is ready to maintain your worktop is to add a water droplet to the area of concern, and if the water absorbs quickly into the wood surface, it’s time to re-oil.
Your surface is optimally protected if the droplet remains perfectly on the surface without any absorption.
Do I Need to Sand My Worktop Before Re-Oiling?
If your wood worktop is in good condition, then lightly cleaning and drying the surface is enough before re-application. However, if the surface feels rough or has old oil buildup, it is recommended to lightly sand it up to 120 grit sandpaper before applying a fresh coat of oil.
You can remove water stains and dark spots from wood before application if these are also visible. The easy-to-use Osmo Tannin Spot Remover spray is perfect for this job and can be used multiple times for tougher stubborn stains to achieve a clean appearance.
Why Is My Oak Worktop Sticky After Oiling?
A sticky finish often occurs when too much oil is applied to the wood surface, or you have sanded to a finer grit than 120. We finish at 120 grit to allow the grain of the wood to be open enough to absorb the natural oils within the Osmo wood oil products, which nourish the wood from inside and protect the wood from the outside.
To avoid a sticky finish:
- Apply Osmo products in thin coats of oil – don’t be alarmed by the thin finish, the product formulation is far superior to a typical varnish or wood oil.
- If you have over applied, wipe away excess oil with a lint-free cloth.
- Follow the drying time and cure time instructions on the Osmo product pages.
- If your worktop is already sticky, allow to dry, then gently buff the surface with a clean cloth or a sanding pad, and start again stirring the product well before its next use.
Advice and Suppliers
Osmo wood finishes are designed specifically for protecting and enhancing wood surfaces. For help and advice, visit the Osmo Help Centre today or contact the expert technical team to discuss your wood project.
Alternatively, find you nearest Osmo Supplier online today by searching your postcode or using the interactive map.