Finishes for Wood Countertops

The type of finish you choose will depend on how you plan to use your kitchen countertop, island top, or butcherblock top. All wood countertop finishes used by DeVos Custom Woodworking have ingredients that are safe for food contact. However, countertops that are used as cutting surfaces are finished differently from those that are not used as a cutting surface.

Click on the photos below for a larger view.

ICA®

Recommended as a permanent finish, not to be used as a cutting surface

ICA Satin Finish - Shown on a Guanacaste Table Top

ICA® is a polyurethane coating that will stand up to high levels of wear and tear. The kitchen is the room in the house that is most exposed to contact with aggressive substances. ICA® is waterproof. It is also shock, heat, stain, and chemical-resistant, ensuring optimum surface hardness and making it ideal for countertops, island tops, bar tops, and table tops. ICA® is formulated with colorless resins and is particularly suitable for light-colored woods as it is resistant to yellowing. It shows the natural color of the wood while sealing the wood fibers beneath the surface. The finish will not chip, peel, crack or wrinkle. ICA® finishes are available in satin and matte. (Note: Do not chop on wood tops with this finish; use a cutting board instead.)

All tops that are treated with ICA® receive a minimum of two coats on both sides of the top.

ICA® is an exceptionally durable finish. In addition to countertops, it is also used on wood floors, doors, and exterior pieces. This is the finish we recommend most because of it's protective qualities. See the ICA® website for additional information.

Waterlox®

Recommended as a permanent finish, not to be used as a cutting surface

Waterlox Satin Finish - Shown on a Face Grain Walnut Island top

Waterlox® is a tung oil-based permanent finish that will stand up to hard daily use. It is also great for countertops, island tops, bar tops, and table tops. It's tough, hard, and food safe. Additionally, this finish is waterproof, heat- and stain-resistant. It gives a rich, hand-rubbed appearance while enhancing the grain and penetrating and sealing the wood fibers beneath the surface. The finish will not chip, peel, crack, or wrinkle. Waterlox® finishes are available in satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. (Note: Do not chop on wood tops with this finish; use a cutting board instead.)

All tops that are treated with Waterlox® receive a minimum of four coats on the visible side of the top and three coats on sides that are not visible, though six coats are typical for tops with cut-outs for sinks or cooktops and for satin-finish tops.

While tough and durable, the Waterlox® finish can be damaged by bleach, 409-type cleaners, and ammonia products. Depending on wear and usage, this finish will also need to be refreshed over time (typically 5-8 years). This finish can be reapplied by the home owner or you may prefer to have it done by a professional. For detailed information, see our Care and Maintenance instructions.

Waterlox® is an excellent and durable finish. In addition to countertops, it is also used on wood floors. See the Waterlox® website for additional information.

Tung Oil/Citrus Finish

Recommended for tops used as cutting surfaces

Tung Oil/Citrus Finish - Shown on a Face Grain Walnut Island top

We highly recommend the Tung Oil/Citrus finish over the mineral oil finish for tops that will be used as cutting surfaces. Pure tung oil is FDA approved and non-toxic by nature. Citrus solvent, which is 98% orange peel oil and 2% water, is added to tung oil to hasten the drying process and deepen the penetration of the oil into the wood. The oil penetrating into the wood makes the surface resistant to water, heat and stain damage. Surfaces treated with the Tung Oil/Citrus finish have an overall matte quality while still retaining their natural appearance.

DeVos Custom Woodworking applies four coats of the Tung Oil/Citrus finish to ensure a well-oiled finish. Another advantage of using this finish over mineral oil is that the finish only needs to be renewed about every six months to a year, depending on usage, as opposed to a mineral oil finish that needs monthly attention. Reapplying this finish is as simple as wiping it on, letting it set, and wiping it off again. For detailed information, see our Care and Maintenance instructions.

The Tung Oil/Citrus Finish has become very popular even for tops that are not used as cutting surfaces. It is very natural in both appearance and feel. It is also very protective and easy to maintain! Several of us at DeVos Custom Woodworking have this finish on our kitchen island tops and countertops.

See our Care and Maintenance instructions for more information about each of these finishes

 

Stain Options

Although we love the look and color of natural wood, we do have standard and custom stain options available. Some woods are more conducive to staining than others. African Mahogany and Sipo Mahogany are popular choices for staining. Red Oak, White Oak, and Ash also take a stain very well.

Afr. Mahogany with Walnut Stain African Mahogany Island top with Walnut Stain.  Edge Grain construction with book-matched drop edges.
Ash with Pickle White-Wash Stain Ash Island Top with Pickle White-Wash Stain.  Face grain construction with softened edges and Waterlox Satin Finish.
White Oak with Custom Dye White Oak with a custom dye formula to provide a wenge look.  Face grain construction with drop edges and Waterlox Satin finish.