If you have a wooden worktop in your kitchen or bathroom, it needs to be sealed. In this guide, Anova Bois explains the reasons for this treatment and the steps to follow.
HOW SHOULD A WOODEN WORKTOP BE SEALED?
Sealing a wooden worktop creates a protective surface. This process makes the surface waterproof and prevents moisture and stains in particular from penetrating the wood used for this space.
A worktop treated with a wood varnish or sealant therefore benefits from optimum protection against damage caused by splashes of water, splinters of grease and fatty or acidic foods. There is no longer any risk of stains or dirt penetrating the wood and permanently altering its appearance.
As well as protecting against stains, glazing wooden worktops provides excellent protection against scratches, scuffs and other signs of wear and tear. Among other things, applying a varnish or sealant allows you to :
- preserve the natural appearance of wood,
- improve its appearance,
- increase its lifespan.
STEPS TO FOLLOW FOR GLAZING A WORKTOP
There are a number of steps involved in sealing a solid wood worktop. Find out how to protect and waterproof your worktop.
PREPARING THE ESSENTIAL MATERIALS FOR SEALING
First of all, you need to gather everything you'll need to waterproof your wooden worktop. You'll need :
- sander paper,
- a cleaning product
- a cloth
- a brush
- a stripping product (depending on the case),
- a hard base,
- a paintbrush
- a tarpaulin.
Sanding paper is essential for roughening or sanding the surface of the worktop. We recommend choosing a fine-grit size of 150 to 180. The stripper will be most useful if there is an old layer of varnish, paint or woodstain on the worktop to be removed. The tarpaulin will be used to protect the floor or furniture in the room throughout the operation.
As well as protecting against stains, sealing wooden worktops provides excellent protection against scratches, scuffs and other signs of wear and tear. Applying a varnish or sealant helps to :
- preserve the natural appearance of the wood,
- improve its appearance,
- increase its lifespan.
It also makes it easier to maintain the surface after each use. You can seal any type of solid wood worktop, whether it's made from beech, oak, pine, bamboo or another species. All you need to do is choose the right products and follow each step of the process. However, this process is not suitable for laminate worktops.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SEALANT
Wooden worktop varnish is THE product that protects the surface.. Make sure you choose the right product, because its characteristics will determine the surface's resistance to damp, dirt and scratches. The properties of the wood varnish will also determine the aesthetics and quality of the final result. Choose a colourless matt or satin varnish to protect a worktop and preserve the natural look of the wood.
At Anova Bois, you'll find a wide range of varnishes and sealers at the best prices. Our products for maintaining and sealing wooden floors, worktops and decks offer maximum, long-lasting protection. They are designed with environmentally-friendly, non-flammable and non-toxic ingredients.
PREPARING THE WORKTOP
Start by cleaning the surface with a damp cloth to remove accumulated dust and dirt. Then, if necessary, degrease the wood. To do this, apply a wood-specific cleaner to the worktop and leave it to work for around 20 minutes. Rub the cleaner in with the brush to improve its effectiveness. Rinse the surface and leave to dry.
If the worktop was previously protected by a varnish, stain or paint finish, now is the time to use the stripper. Once it has taken effect, wash the surface again and leave to dry. Then sand all the wood with the sanding paper to remove any small defects. Remove all dust, particles and wood residues with a damp cloth at the end of the sanding process.
APPLYING THE FIRST COAT OF SEALANT
Once the worktop is dry, use the brush to apply the hard primer evenly over the entire wood surface. Leave the product to dry for the time indicated by the manufacturer. This primer, also known as an undercoat or primer, prepares the surface to receive the vitrifier or wood varnish. It helps the product adhere better and maximises its protective effect. If the hard surface is dry, use a brush to apply the first coat of sealant. Spread the product evenly in the direction of the wood.
APPLYING THE FINISHING COATS
Leave the first coat of sealant to dry for the time recommended by the manufacturer for waterproofing a wooden worktop . Then lightly sand the surface with sandpaper to remove any imperfections and smooth the surface. Now apply the second and third coats, depending on the type of sealant or wood varnish. Follow the drying time recommended by the manufacturer.
HOW DO I MAINTAIN A WORKTOP AFTER SEALING?
To maintain a wooden worktop after sealing, clean it regularly with a damp sponge, especially if there are grease spills or stains. Do not use white vinegar or methylated spirits for maintenance, as they can damage the surface. Instead, opt for natural products such as black soap. Plan to recoat after a few years' use to restore the look of the worktop and renew the protection.
