Oroco kitchen worktop which was neglected, how to bring back to original state

david4791

Hello,
I have a worktop with Oroco wood fitted 7 years ago in a rented house, while I offered oil to tenant to apply annually it was never done.

Any advice on bringing it back to it's natural state ?

recipio

I presume you mean iroko ?
After seven years it will have plenty of dents and stains ?
I'd sand it back to bare wood with a random orbital sander and refinish.( try and use dust extraction or a good cartridge mask as Iroko gives off a dust like pepper )
Wax /oil combinations like Osmopolyx are great but pricey. There's nothing wrong with boiled linseed oil but it needs 3-4 coats, repeated once yearly or so.
Many people suggest two pack varnishes etc but I've yet to find a varnish that stood up to water and heat abuse.

david4791

Thanks for the spellcheck, thanks also for the advice

david4791

What are the directions for boiling linseed oil? Vis a vis to what extent?

recipio

david4791 wrote: »

What are the directions for boiling linseed oil? Vis a vis to what extent?

No need.!
Linseed oil is sold as 'raw' or 'boiled'. It confused me for a long time until I learnt that it simply means chemicals are added to make the boiled version dry faster.Its never actually 'boiled'.
Most hardware shops will have 'Rustins' , sold in small bottles but its a little pricey for what you get.Try the dedicated paint shops and you may get a better deal as you will need about 500cc to give a worktop a few coats.
There is a technique to get good results with all oils.
Rub on generously with a green pan wash up scourer. (Avoid wire wool as residues will rust in time ) Leave about 20 mins when the surface will look a little patchy and then clean off with kitchen roll or a cloth to leave a soft sheen.
Repeat this the next day (to give the surface time to harden up) The more coats you give it, the better it will look.
Allow about 3 days for it to be dry enough to use.
Lastly, don't leave the cloths/ kitchen roll squashed into a ball as they can apparently self combust, although I've never actually heard of this happening to anybody.

david4791

Thanks Recipio, great advice

woodturner

Be very careful of the dust though, I ended up in hospital with Nettle Rash from Iroko dust.

recipio

david4791 wrote: »

Thanks Recipio, great advice

Most welcome.
I never give advice unless I've done it myself and linseed is a lovely natural substance to use.
I forgot to say that its worth steaming out any scratches or dents ( after sanding ) if you really want a great finish. Just soak a cloth in water, squeeze out and use a hot iron over it to steam the blemishes. Makes a big difference.
All exotic woods can cause a rash unfortunately, worse when mixed with (ahem) sweat. !

david4791

Thanks again.