How to Renovate and Revitalize Meat Block Countertops
Butcher countertops are comfortable and attractive, but if left unattended they can crack or even mold. You can avoid these problems and keep your kitchen surface working and looking like new with a little effort.
Collect your materials
You will need cleaning supplies for this project; Sandpaper with grit 100 and 150; food grade mineral oil; clean, lint-free rags; and a five-in-one scraper (or dough scraper). Be sure to wear gloves as well. If your countertop has small cracks, you will also need some canning wax or food-safe wood glue.
Clean and prepare the surface
First, wipe off any dirt or residue with a damp cloth. (Some people like to use vinegar to clean wood surfaces because it helps sanitize and doesn’t damage the grain.) Then use a dough scraper or five-in-one tool to remove any tough pieces. You can use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and a cotton swab to remove wine stains. Apply peroxide to the stain, let sit and remove by blotting with a dry cloth or paper towel. Use this method sparingly, as hydrogen peroxide can lighten the unpainted parts of your wood. You can also use bleach to remove mildew stains. (This is where gloves come in handy.) Dissolve one teaspoon of powdered bleach or sodium percarbonate in one cup of hot water and apply to the counter with a stiff-bristled brush. Let stand for 10 minutes; at this point, you should notice that the wood begins to brighten. Repeat the process with a fresh batch of bleach until the stain is gone.
Sand and smooth the countertops
Sand the dents and burn marks with 100 grit sandpaper. When they are smooth, you can proceed to sanding the entire surface – first with 100 sandpaper, then 150. If you have a palm sander, this step will definitely be faster, but the sanding block is not much patience will help too. Be sure to vacuum or wipe off any remaining sawdust to keep your counters smooth and smooth when finished.
Repair of small cracks
To fill small cracks in the countertop, I recommend one of two methods: fill the crack with food-safe wood glue, wipe off any excess glue, and sand when dry. or heat canning wax in a saucepan and pour it into the crack. Wait for the wax to partially harden but not harden, and scrape off excess with a five-in-one router bit.
Apply your finish
Once your countertops are cleaned and smoothed out, it’s time to apply the finish. This step will protect your counters from too much moisture and also condition the wood so it doesn’t dry out. Rub mineral oil (or meat block conditioner) onto the counter with a lint-free cloth and let sit for 20 minutes. Buff the surface with a cloth. Repeat this process whenever you notice your meat block looks dry. (A bit of TLC goes a long way.)