I am about to finish my new solid birch kitchen counter top. My goals are to protect the wood from daily use and to preserve the birch's natural light
colour. Will a boiled linseed oil and turpentine mix be a good solution? Will his give the colour of unfinished birch?

Thanks from Oslo, Norway.

- Elling

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I am about to finish my new solid birch kitchen counter top. My goals are to protect the wood from daily use and to preserve the birch's natural light
colour. Will a boiled linseed oil and turpentine mix be a good solution? Will his give the colour of unfinished birch?

Thanks from Oslo, Norway.

- Elling


My personal opinion is that wood with any finish is a lousy top for a
working kitchen counter top, but,live and let live.

Turpentine wouldn't really be necessary with the boiled linseed oil but
the thinning would probably help in the absorption of the oil by the
wood.

As for protection, well, on the up side is the fact it will be easy to
renew by simply adding a refresher coat now and again. I'd keep the top
well and frequently waxed with a good paste wax also.

Good luck

--
MikeG
Heirloom Woods
www.heirloom-woods.net

I am about to finish my new solid birch kitchen counter top. My goals are
to protect the wood from daily use and to preserve the birch's natural
light colour. Will a boiled linseed oil and turpentine mix be a good
solution? Will his give the colour of unfinished birch?

Boiled linseed oil will give the birch a bit of an amber tone and it will
not provide very much protection at all. If it's used as a working surface
(i.e. as a cutting board) then regular application of mineral oil will help
maintain the wood. If the surface is going to be used as a regular
countertop (no cutting), then most water-based poly or urethane type
finishes will provide protection and maintain the natural colour of the
wood.