Dick Keats wrote:
Bought an 8 foot by 25 inch 1-1/2" thick cherry butcher block.
It is unfinished.
Want to use it on a kitchen island with a small vegetable sink in it.
How should I go about finishing (sealing?) it.
There will be food on it but we do not plan to cut/chop on it.
Any help and/or advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your time.
Dick Keats
Euless, TX
I don't see any point to using an oil finish if it isn't used as a
cutting block. If you want a natural looking finish, a matte or
semi-gloss finish would be best. Be aware that cherry can be very dark
with any clear finish, including oil. Matte can be a little cloudier
than semi. A varnish can be stripped easily if it looks scratched, so
it is a good finish long-term. I used oil based poly on an oak kitchen
table that was the only table for eating and kids' craft work. I cut
pastry, the kids painted and modeled clay. When it got too beat up, I
stripped it and refinished. For a counter top, I would finish all sides
to avoid warping from moisture on a bare surface.