Time
1 to 2 hours
Skill level
Easy
Steps
03
Tools
05
01 / Before you begin

What you'll need

Five things, laid out on the bench. Each one is a link to the step where it comes in — tap a tool to jump straight there.

The amber line is your thread: each tool leads to the step where it belongs.

02 / The method

Three steps, in order

Work in the direction of the grain, keep every coat thin, and let each layer settle before the next.

01
Sand the worktop

Start with the right grit

Which grits you use depends on what is already on the surface. In all cases, sand in the direction of the wood grain.

Choose your starting point
Current surfaceSand withFinish you can apply
Untreated80 → 100 → 120 gritAny finish
Varnished80 → 100 → 120 gritRe-varnish or oil
Oiled120 grit onlyOil only

Before applying the finish, check what is already on the wood. An oiled worktop can only be oiled again.

Sanding block120-grit sandpaper
02
Clean the worktop

Wipe away the dust

Dust your product with a soft, dry cloth to remove any wood dust before you apply a finish. A clean surface is what keeps the next coat even.

Cleaning cloth
03
Apply oil or varnish

Thin coats, with the grain

Apply your finish carefully with a brush, using a thin coat that follows the grain of the wood to avoid leaving streaks. Varnish is applied with a brush and only if the surface has not previously been oiled. Oil can be applied with a brush or a cloth.

Apply one or two additional coats in line with the instructions of the finish you are using. Remember to smooth out the surface between each layer using 120-grit paper.

BrushColourless oil120-grit sandpaper
“In all cases, sand in the direction of the wood grain.”
The one rule that runs through every step
03 / Aftercare

Care for what lasts

A thin coat, a little patience between layers, and the right grit are all a solid wood surface needs. Keep this guide close — it is the same routine you can come back to season after season.

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