What’s the best sealer for wood countertops? Here’s a look at five options. These include Arm R Seal, Rubio Monocoat, Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac, and Waterlox. Which is right for you? If you haven’t sprayed your countertops yet, read on for tips on preventing scratches and dents. Listed below are some of the most popular types of sealers.
Arm R Seal
Arm-R-Seal is an oil-based finish, and when applied to raw wood, it produces a beautiful amber tone, which helps highlight the grain. It is durable and can be used over other finishes, such as oil-based stains. The product is available in quarts, which can be purchased for $20 each. The application process is tedious, as it is a thin urethane topcoat that must be stirred frequently to avoid streaking. This product is also a bit expensive; a quart of Arm-R-Seal costs about $20. Odie’s Oil, on the other hand, has a stiff consistency and is designed for use over hardwood floors, but costs about $5 more.
Waterlox
The best sealer for wood countertops is a water-based product such as Waterlox. It creates a waterproof and stain-resistant surface without sacrificing the natural look of wood. It also requires minimal maintenance and cures quickly. This product is suitable for amateurs and professionals alike. To ensure professional-looking results, sand the surface first with a 100 or 120-grit sandpaper. If the wood countertop surface was previously finished, use mineral spirits to clean it, then scuff it with 320-grit sandpaper.
Rubio Monocoat
If you are looking for a sealer for wood countertops, consider the benefits of a natural product. Rubio Monocoat Oil, applied to wood surfaces, provides multiple layers of protection. Although wood requires little maintenance, it still needs regular cleaning. Fortunately, there are easy ways to remove stubborn local stains and marks from wood countertops. Use the convenient Rubio Monocoat Surface Care. This liquid soap will eliminate stubborn local stains and marks.
Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac
The most common misconceptions about sealers are that you can’t use them on wood countertops. While dissolved shellac can be used on wood countertops, you can’t use it in place of the more expensive clear varieties. The most common shellac products are Dewaxed SealCoat, ClearWax, and Bulls Eye. The main difference between these two products is their drying time and the amount of liquid that they contain. However, the disadvantage of using these three products is that they don’t mix well.
Zinsser Cutting Board and Butcher Block Finish Wax
When deciding which sealer is right for your wood countertops, consider what you’ll use the countertops for. Is it for chopping, light food preparation, or a sink? Depending on your purpose, a film finish might be the best choice. But be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle. Some oils can turn rancid, so it’s best to stick to food-grade finishes.