Darkening the Butcherblock Countertops

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Before we installed our butcherblock countertops over at Project Dollhouse, I did some research on how to care for the butcherblock and as well as how to darken the color.    Because we have so many white and tile surfaces in the kitchen, I wanted to add some warmth to the mix and a rich finish on the countertops could help me accomplish that.


A Google search led me  The Real Milk Paint Company.  They sell a product called Dark Raw Tung Oil that is non-toxic, eco-friendly, and has a darkening agent.  It seals and protects the wood  and I have to say I'm happy with the results!



First, there was lots of sanding....





As you can see, before the countertops were treated they were very light, and had a pinkish cast to them.


The company suggests cutting the tung oil by 50% with Mineral Spirits to help with absorption and to speed up the drying time between coats.



When the first coat went on I was concerned  because the countertops didn't look much darker at all.  But after applying 6 or 7 coats (with a day's drying time in between), we got a very pretty, burnished brown color.


You can really see the difference here with this untreated piece of butcherblock compared to the finished countertops in place.

Mission accomplished! Don't you love it when something works like it's supposed to?

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23 comments:

Ashley said...

Kim, the results are gorgeous! Is there any need to reseal and restain the butcher block? BTW, I can see the subway tile peeking out, and it looks great.

Tiffany @ Savor Home said...

Looks great! I do love when something works out perfectly. Look forward to seeing the finished space!

Splendid Sass said...

It did turn out beautiful, Kim! Love using tung oil.
Thank you for sharing.
Teresa
xoxo

The Vintique Object said...

Hi Kim, wow! The butcher block is to die for, and I totally agree about wanting to add warmth (I realized that too late when I painted over all the wood in mine!). Love the pink glass hardward and LOVE the subway tile too.

I'm looking forward to seeing the finished room -- it's going to be so great.
Camille

My Many Moments said...

Behold my heart! My dream would be to do subway tile and butcher counters. If only I could get my husband inspired. Looks amazing Kim!

Julie of Monkey Grass Hill said...

I think they look great -- really rich. But, I have to say, I would never have the patience to stick with a a project like that sanding then 6-7 coats with a day to dry for each! That's commitment :)

Anonymous said...

oh my!! love the color of the burnished look versus the light untreated color..smart idea to have them stained darker...it's the perfect compliment to all the light colors in your kitchen...
best,
maureen

kayce hughes said...

They look so beautiful! I might need to try that for our kitchen. I wonder how it would work on already used butcher block.

Taylor Greenwalt said...

It looks great! I have got to try it. I just bought some milk paint, but now to find the time!

casey at loft and cottage said...

Love the warmth of real wood. The butcher block looks amazing!

Chic Coles said...

Your counters look such a warm beautiful color. That many coats.Wow that took a lot, but well worth the time and energy.

Carissa @ the Fabulous Design File said...

Wow! What a difference... definitely worth the work of all of the coats!

InteriorGroupie said...

very pretty indeed - looks fabulous!

countertops rockville said...

Very impressive and looking gorgeous.

Anonymous said...

As you know, utility sink faucets can do more than what ordinary kitchen and when it comes to heavy-duty tasks which are usually made from high-grade steel, can withstand long hours of constant water temperature and water pressure variations.

Karen said...

You are so patient, I would have the worst time waiting a whole day between coats! Love the result.

Unknown said...

Great info here, Kim. I'm bookmarking this! Thanks for sharing.

anita said...

Kim -- they're beautiful!!

Anne-Marie @ 10 Rooms said...

gorgeous counters, and i love that you chose an eco-friendly finish, perfect for making sandwiches on :)

L.Duncan@Home23DuncanBoys said...

I may have to try this! I was going to do what everyone else did and stained my then seal it with the product Waterlox... Have you heard of that?

I think I want subway tile instead of the bead board now. hmm....

Anonymous said...

Where are the cabinets from?!?

Abby said...

Where did you get the countertops? What kind of wood are they? Looks amazing!

Deese said...

Hi! I love your countertops. I have installed Ikea's Birch butcher block in my new kitchen. with 178X25 inches of counter and 64X39 inches of island. I have been struggling with mineral oil but am tired of the upkeep (I have way too many jars and appliances on the counters I don't want to move to re-oil every week). The point of this comment is to ask how much Tung oil did you use to do your counters and how many inches of countertops do you have?

Thanks!

Deese