Sand and refinish a stained wooden worktop — HomeGraft

Sand back a worn stained worktop, then reapply stain and oil in even coats for a smooth, protected finish.

WT-01Clear and protect the kitchenRemove everything from the worktop, including small appliances. Lay dust sheets on the floor and nearby units to catch sanding dust. Mask off the wall behind the worktop and any exposed cabinet edges with masking tape. Open a window or door for ventilation, sanding dust and stain fumes need airflow.

1 each · Dust sheet

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1 roll · Masking tape (50mm)

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WT-02Protect the sink, hob and edgesCover the sink and any hob cut-out with masking tape or plastic sheet so dust and stain don't get into the gaps. If you can lift out an inset sink or hob, do so, it makes sanding the edges much easier and gives a neater finish. Tape along the wall-to-worktop joint too.

1 roll · Masking tape (50mm)

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1 roll · Plastic sheeting

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WT-03Sand off the old finish with coarse gritFit 80-grit paper to your orbital sander. Work in the direction of the wood grain, moving steadily so you don't dig a hollow in one spot. Keep the sander flat and let it do the work, don't press hard. This pass takes the old stain and finish down to bare wood.

1 pack · Sanding discs, 80 grit (pack of 5)

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WT-04Sand again with medium gritChange to 120-grit paper and sand the whole worktop again, still following the grain. This removes the scratches left by the coarse grit and starts to smooth the surface. Pay extra attention to edges or corners the first pass missed.

1 pack · Sanding discs, 120 grit (pack of 5)

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WT-05Finish sand with fine gritFit 180 or 220-grit paper and sand the whole surface one last time. Run your hand over the wood, it should feel smooth with no rough patches or visible scratch lines. Sand any edges by hand with folded sandpaper where the sander can't reach.

1 pack · Sanding discs, 180/220 grit (pack of 5)

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1 pack · Sandpaper sheets, assorted

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WT-06Remove all the dustVacuum the worktop, edges and surrounding units thoroughly. Wipe the surface with a tack cloth, or a cloth barely dampened with water, to lift the last fine dust, then let it dry fully. Any dust left behind will show up as grit in your finish.

1 each · Tack cloth

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WT-07Re-stain if you want a different colourIf the colour is patchy or you want to change the shade, apply wood stain with a lint-free cloth or brush, working with the grain in even strokes. Wipe off any excess after a few minutes so the colour stays even. Leave to dry fully (check the tin for timing) before oiling. Skip this step if you're keeping the existing colour.

1 each · Wood stain, 250ml

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1 pack · Lint-free cloths (pack)

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1 box · Disposable gloves (box)

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WT-08Apply the first coat of worktop oilUse a food-safe worktop oil, such as danish oil or a dedicated worktop oil, since this surface is near food prep. Apply a generous coat with a cloth or brush, working with the grain, paying extra attention to the sink and edges which take the most water. Leave to soak in for the time stated on the tin, usually 10-15 minutes, then wipe off any excess that hasn't absorbed.

1 each · Worktop oil, 500ml

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1 pack · Lint-free cloths (pack)

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WT-09Let it cure, then sand lightly between coatsLeave the first coat to dry fully, usually overnight. Once dry, rub over lightly with 320-grit paper or fine wire wool to knock back any raised grain, then wipe away the dust. This gives the next coat something to key into and keeps the surface smooth.

1 pack · Sanding sheets, 320 grit

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1 pack · Fine wire wool

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WT-10Apply further coatsApply at least two more coats of oil the same way, sanding lightly and wiping clean between each one. Three to four coats total gives good protection around a sink and hob. Let each coat dry fully before starting the next.

1 each · Worktop oil, 500ml

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WT-11Final cure and buffLeave the last coat to cure properly before using the worktop, check the tin, this is often 24-48 hours for light use and longer for full water resistance. Buff the surface with a clean dry cloth to bring up the sheen. Avoid standing anything wet on it until the oil has fully cured.

1 each · Clean dry cloth

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WT-12Clean up and dispose of oily rags safelyOil-soaked rags can spontaneously combust as they dry out, so don't screw them into a bin. Lay them outside flat to dry fully, or soak them in water in a metal container, before putting them in an outdoor bin. Wipe down surrounding units and floor, remove masking tape and dust sheets, then put appliances back once the worktop has fully cured.

1 pack · Bin bags

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