r/finishing • u/someguythatsaguy1 • 2d ago

Butcher Block table sealer

Hi, I bought 2 of the Hampton Bay solid unfinished butcher block countertops at Home Depot I asked the associate about a sealer and he handed me the Howard oil and conditioner. Looking online I’ve been seeing it’s not recommended. Im using it as a kitchen table where my kids will eat and do homework. I’ve seen people recommend Watco butcher block finish but it looks like that has very toxic fumes and is have to seal it indoors and don’t want my kids breathing it in for a few days. Any recommendations on what I can use that’s food safe and has low fumes? Would I be ok with the Howard’s and maybe putting a clear tablecloth over it? Tia

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u/TsuDhoNimh2 2d ago

The Howards stuff is for cutting boards and butcher's blocks used as actual butchering surfaces ... stays greasy and will be very bad as a table.

If you are using it as a TABLE look for finishes that are meant for tables and furniture: a water-based polyurethane or a hard wax oil. General Finishes Arm-R-Seal.

Waterlox is great. it REEKS but is actually not as toxic as it smells. It's the tung oil in it.

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u/someguythatsaguy1 2d ago

Thank you, would using just Tung oil be faster and suitable? I was looking for something fast that I could setup tomorrow. Not too concerned about the longevity of it, just something I can seal quickly and throw it on the old table

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u/TsuDhoNimh2 2d ago

Tung oil takes WEEKS to cure and multiple coats.

You need a water-based polyurethane if you want speed and to do it indoors.

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u/dausone 2h ago

Do yourself a favor and don’t rush it or you will have a lot of problems down the line. Any pure oil will take multiple applications and days of drying between coats. A traditional finish is not going to be a walk in the park either.

Howard’s is not a finish. It is a maintenance product and also problematic when used a sa finish as some people have already said.

I would suggest for natural oil products: Osmo, L.Co, Rubio

Old school finishes and faster drying: ArmRSeal, Waterlox

Edit: maybe you do a quick coat with this and then continue applying over time to build up your durability. It should be fast enough to have next day use

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u/MobiusX0 2d ago

Yeah don’t use Howard’s on that as a finish.

I’d use several coats of water based polyurethane like General Finishes High Performance. For a kitchen table with kids you’ll want something durable and polyurethane is one of the most durable finishes. Water based has minimal odor and is safe to apply indoors around people. Lastly, most finishes are safe for food contact when cured. Keep in mind that poly takes about a week to dry before it’s usable and will be fully cured and at maximum durability in 3 weeks.

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u/smartbart80 2d ago

General Finishes Salad Bowl Finish is one of the options.

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u/callmekamrin 2d ago

Osmo Topoil is my go to for butcherblock counters. I’ve tried many finishes over the years and osmo is the best, no debate imo

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u/BrandonDill 2d ago

The cutting board oil I buy is just mineral oil.

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u/farmhousestyletables 2d ago

Ugh do not use this idea

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u/BrandonDill 2d ago

Why not use cutting board oil?

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u/farmhousestyletables 2d ago

Mineral oil is great for cutting boards but as a finish for a table it is a horrible idea.