How to protect a wooden countertop. Nuances of working with wood chipboard

The lacquered table surface is very aesthetically pleasing, practical and also functional. A layer of varnish protects the surface and also prevents destruction, as it well protects the wood from moisture and other damage. Varnishing is especially important for work tables in the kitchen - wooden countertops are constantly exposed to mechanical stress and moisture. Let's see what kind of varnish for a wooden table is used, how to properly prepare wooden surface, as well as how to apply the varnish correctly.

Kitchen and other furniture is mainly made of wood. The wood can be natural or it can be various materials made from shavings are MDF, chipboard, fiberboard and others. Tables can be uncoated or the surface can be treated with paints and varnishes.

Among the main advantages of wood are high thermal insulation, attractive and aesthetic appearance, a huge number of forms, the ease of restoration activities. Along with the advantages, disadvantages can also be distinguished - wooden surfaces become dirty very quickly, the material is quite flammable, it is easily scratched due to even minor mechanical damage.

Also, the disadvantages include the high price of tabletops made of natural wood.

How to protect a wooden table?

The work area in kitchens is exposed every day to various liquids and is in constant high humidity... In order for the furniture to serve for many years, it is necessary to protect it from moisture.

Today, several methods are used to protect wood:

Cover the surface with a special oil, which is then absorbed deep into the wood, preventing the swelling of wood fibers when exposed to moisture. Experts recommend using the following products for wood - OSMO TopOil, Belinda, Adler Lengo. To cover the countertop and protect it as much as possible, special wax compositions are also used along with oils. But you need to remember that such protection periodically requires updating.

Treat the wooden work surface with special varnishes for wood products. You can add a coloring pigment to the composition to darken deep wood fibers, and the plane of the table at the same time turned out to be more expressive. It is much easier to cover the table with varnish than using oils and other products.

The main advantages of varnish

A lacquered table will be more practical and will last much longer. After applying these paintwork materials, aesthetic characteristics will significantly increase wooden furniture- textures will become more expressive, they will be better viewed, the color will become saturated. Also, several coats of varnish will help prevent deterioration of the wood surface. The wooden table will be reliably protected from liquids, moisture, mechanical stress.

The main types of varnish for wood

For a wooden table to get a second life, you need to choose the right one suitable material. Modern market offers a lot of options and the choice is very difficult. You should choose a product that will both improve the aesthetic characteristics and reliably protect the surface from any negative influences. If even minor damage develops on the surface, it long years will remind of itself, so the choice should be taken very seriously.

Alcohol based varnish

Alcohol-based varnish will create clear or translucent coatings that have a characteristic glossy sheen. At the same time, these materials provide a wooden surface reliable protection... If the technology is not violated during application, then with the help of alcohol-based products, you can effectively emphasize the beauty of natural wood.

The composition of these paintwork materials contains resins dissolved in alcohols, which form a strong film. It is worth remembering that the stronger the alcohol, the stronger the film, and the most durable coating formed when using a composition where the alcohol in the composition is stronger than 90%.

Oil varnishes

It is a dissolved resin and pigments in oils. These products have a thick consistency and differ affordable price... After application, a sufficiently strong, resistant to various negative impacts film. This coating is ideal for renovation work on wooden furniture. These paintwork materials are especially effective if the table is in the open air all year round.

It is important that the wooden surface, which has been coated with oil varnishes, will receive a stable yellow tint after drying, which will not go away over time.

Nitrocellulose varnish

These are solutions of nitrocellulose in organic solvents. With excellent operational characteristics these materials are toxic, harm human health, even after drying, they have an unpleasant odor. The industry produces these compounds much less and nitrovarnishes are now being actively replaced by alcohol varnishes.

Water based varnish

With this composition, you can get an excellent, completely safe for humans, pets and environment coating. The composition is based on acrylates dissolved in water. After application to a wooden surface and drying, a protective layer resistant to mechanical stress, moisture, UV rays is obtained.

Polyurethane varnishes

This option has high elasticity characteristics. The table cover perfectly withstands high mechanical loads up to impacts. These materials have a fast drying rate. At the same time, resistance to exposure to water and moisture is rather weak. The varnish is completely safe, the coating does not turn yellow, has a beautiful appearance and good transparency.

Among the advantages - no preliminary priming is required.

How to restore a wooden table

Before varnishing dinner table or a work table in the kitchen, the condition should be very carefully evaluated. The surface can be already painted, mechanically treated, glossy, varnished. Regardless of what kind of varnish the surface will be coated with, it is necessary to carry out preparatory work.

In the video: how to cover the table with stain.

Training

The first step is to remove all the old coating. This is done so that the texture of the wood is clearly visible using an electric tool. When the table is as smooth as possible, the surface will not have any defects, then you can proceed to another stage.

For work, you will need a roller or a brush, you also need to purchase a liquid remover to remove the old paintwork. You will also need a primer and stain, construction hair dryer, emery with varying degrees of grain.

Removing the old coating

The chemical remover is applied to the table surface and then wiped off after 10 minutes. To apply and to remove a layer of paint or varnish, a rag should be used.

There is also hot way- you need a hair dryer. The countertop is heated and then wiped with a rag.

You can also remove the old coating by sanding. Doing this manually takes a very long time, so it is better to use electric tool... The work is carried out at low speed so as not to damage the wood.

Varnish application technology

It is better to use brushes or rollers for applying varnish. Using a clear varnish for wooden table in one layer, it is very difficult to obtain the desired shade - this is only possible if the surface is covered in several layers.

More saturated color can be given by treating the table with stain or colored primers - they are applied either in one layer, or in two, three or more.

After the stains and primers have dried, they can be varnished. The varnish is applied in a thin, even layer, trying to avoid drips. After the first layer has dried, it is recommended to sand the surface. For a high-quality result, varnish with three coats of varnish.

In a day old table turn into a new one and no one can ever say that he is very many years old. Knowing how to cover the table, you can restore other wooden furniture in this way.

How to use wood varnish correctly (2 videos)

Everything you need to varnish the table (29 photos)

On the modern kitchens you can find countertops made of artificial or natural stone, glass, stainless steel, ceramic tiles, but most often used as the main material solid wood or chipboard sheets lined with plastic. If you do not know how to protect a capricious surface, there is a risk of its deformation and rapid destruction under the influence of moisture and other negative factors.

Compliance with the basic rules for the care of raw materials will avoid unpleasant consequences... In addition, there are many effective approaches to improve the quality of the product and its resistance to external influences.

Basic rules for work on the countertop and the implementation of regular surface care

To prevent the appearance of scratches and other types of damage on the surface of the countertop, the following rules must be observed for the implementation of work:

Cutting boards should be used when preparing food, even if nothing needs to be cut. When cutting food, you need to ensure that the process does not go beyond the limits of a special stand.
Do not leave knives and forks on the surface of the countertop, it is because of them that the chipboard sheets are quickly covered with a layer of scratches. Water droplets and food particles are gradually clogged into small holes, which causes the wood to swell and warp.
If you need to attach to the work surface manual grinder or a similar unit, a soft cloth must be used.
Regardless of the material from which the surface of the countertop is made, it must be protected from prolonged and abundant exposure to moisture; during cleaning, it is highly discouraged to use abrasives, metal sponges and brushes.

Tip: If the surface is additionally coated with varnish or paint, then the use of chemical cleaning agents, especially solvents, will also have to be abandoned.

In extreme cases, the work area can be protected with a special oilcloth. The main thing is to choose a material that does not change the aroma and taste of the processed products.
It is not recommended to put hot dishes on wood, chipboard sheets and tiles; be sure to use a protective lining (in this case, you need to make sure that it is not made of metal or plastic, but wood or multilayer fabric).

Even if all these rules are observed, the safety of the coating is not guaranteed. The only way to reliably protect a wooden surface is by proper cleaning and special pre-treatment.

Methods for protecting countertops from stubborn stains

No matter how carefully the work is carried out in a specialized area, the appearance of stains cannot be avoided, especially if it is located near the sink. Drops of water and detergent can be just as problematic as grease. So that the surface of the countertop does not darken and does not become covered with signs of decomposition of the material, it is necessary to take into account the following tips:

Dry dirt, grease and traces of moisture must be removed immediately. Do not wait until the different components mix and dry, turning into a dense crust.
For regular cleaning of solid wood or chipboard sheets, it is allowed to use a weak and lukewarm soap solution.
Stubborn stains can be removed with lemon juice. If at the same time sprinkle a little salt on the surface of the dirt, it will be possible to pull the dirt out of small scratches.
It is recommended to treat darkened wood with a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide. Simply pour it over the stain and wipe it off with a soft cloth after a few minutes. The same manipulation allows you to disinfect the surface.
In some cases, professional wood whiteners or homemade oxalic acid preparations help. They simultaneously pull dirt out of cracks, preventing the expansion of the tree, bleaching and disinfecting the material.

At first, it is better to process a fresh countertop without using water. You can simply rub the dirt with medium-grit sandpaper to remove the stain, then sand the surface with the softest equivalent of the product.

Tempering and sealing of wood - manipulations that increase the usability of the material

To minimize damage from moisture and other external irritants, solid wood can be tempered. True, this manipulation is very different from the approach used in the case of metal:

Pour a little warmed mineral (not edible!) Oil onto the working area. We wait a few minutes until the fibers absorb the required amount of the product.
We take a rag and begin to rub the composition into the surface, acting in the direction of the fibers.
We leave the structure for half an hour so that the main component is well absorbed. We make sure that during this time drops of water do not fall on the tabletop, this will reduce the effectiveness of the approach.
Wipe the treated area with a waffle or paper towel, removing excess oil.

If chipboard sheets act as the main material, then the sealing procedure will be the optimal protection against damage. For its implementation, we use ready-made polyurethane (for Food Industry), which is applied to the problem area in at least three layers. After such a simple manipulation, there will be no problems with cleaning the countertop, and it will become indifferent to the effects of moisture. It is still impossible to cut food on such a coating!

Furniture wax can be useful to restore wood and repair cracks. To do this, heat it up on the stove or in microwave oven... For one part of the product, take four parts of mineral oil, mix. We process it with a still warm composition problem areas, carefully rubbing the drug into the cracks. We leave the mass to dry, after which we polish the surface with a soft cloth. This manipulation is recommended to be carried out at least once a year for prevention purposes.

A common kitchen worktop used in most kitchen sets, represents chipboard sheet, covered on top with a special wear-resistant plastic. The bottom and ends of the table top do not have such a coating. If the bottom of the tabletop is hidden from view and should not have any special coatings, then the ends of the tabletop need to be processed for several reasons: protection from water, strong heating (from hob), decorative function. The ends are processed in two ways: a special edge for the table top is glued, or a metal end strip is installed. Let's consider the second method in detail.

Tools and materials required to install the end plate:

# 1 Phillips screwdriver.
Drill for metal with a diameter of 8 mm (if necessary).
Drill for metal with a diameter of 4.5-5.0 mm (if necessary).
Hacksaw for metal.
File with fine notches.
Transparent silicone sealant (colorless).
Self-tapping screws 3.0x16 mm (3 pcs. For each end plate).

To properly install the end plate on the table top, firstly, you must select the right end plate itself. The end strips differ in height, that is, the thickness of the countertop for which they are intended (28 or 38 mm), the radius of curvature of the overhang (3 or 6 mm) and the type of coverage of the strip (matt or glossy). Sometimes there are "left" and "right" end strips for mounting on the left and right ends of the tabletop, respectively (now almost all end strips are made universal, installed on either side). Below, but in the photo, you can see the whole simple process of mounting the end universal strip on a 28 mm thick worktop. The main thing is to treat the end of the countertop well with silicone sealant, similar to processing a cut of the countertop at.

Step 1. Cleaning the end of the countertop from dust, applying silicone sealant.

Apply silicone sealant to the end of the countertop. We cover the entire butt with an even layer.

Step 2. Applying silicone sealant to the end plate, fixing the plate with self-tapping screws.

Apply a strip of sealant to the L-shaped side. We apply the bar to the end of the countertop, align the bar flush with the front overhang of the countertop (the ledge of the bar is not more than 1 mm is allowed) and press the bar down so that the side is firmly pressed against the plastic of the countertop (sealant should be squeezed out from under the side of the side).

If the holes on the end plate have insufficient countersinking width for the self-tapping head (this usually happens), then it is necessary to carefully (using a drill with a diameter of 8 mm) expand the countersink so that the self-tapping screw is recessed flush. We tighten all the screws in turn, making sure that the bar does not budge.

We fasten the bar with 3.0x16 mm self-tapping screws.

If the end plate is installed on a worktop of a smaller width (less than the standard 600 mm), then additional (new) holes must be drilled in the right places with a 4.5-5.0mm drill, followed by countersinking.

Step 3. Plank trimming, finishing.

Using a hacksaw for metal, cut the bar flush with the rear overhang of the countertop. We process the cut with a file. Remove excess sealant from all sides with a clean cloth.

Provide stain protection. Keep your countertop clean to protect it from stains. Stains, dirt and grayness can form on the surface of a wooden countertop if it is not cleaned regularly.

Remove any puddles and debris to prevent the stain from absorbing, clean the area right away.
Wash the wood with warm water and soap.
Wipe the stain lemon juice... Clean the surface thoroughly to increase the suction power, sprinkle with salt and sprinkle with lemon juice.
Stir 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide in 1 glass of warm water. Pour some of the solution onto the stain. Wait a few minutes. Wipe with a piece of cloth.
Use wood bleach or oxalic acid to remove the stain. Flush the area with water to remove any chemical residue.
Sand the wood countertop to restore a fresh surface. First use 120-grit sandpaper to remove the stain. Then use 180-grit sandpaper to sand the surface.
Do not use vinegar to clean wood countertops if the wood has not been sealed. Vinegar can dissolve the glue that holds the wood together and make the wood feel loose or cracked as it eats away at the wood.

Temper the wood in the same way as a cast iron pan needs to be ignited.

Pour enough warm mineral oil on the countertop. The oils help prevent warping and cracking. The tree will absorb the amount of oil it needs, so don't worry about too much oil.
Make sure you are using edible oil. Do not use oil for cooking. Over time, these oils will go rancid on exposure to air and give off an unpleasant odor.
Use a rag to rub the oil into the wood.
Rub the oil in the direction of the grain of the wood.
Let the oil soak into the wood for 20 to 30 minutes.
Wipe the surface with a cloth or paper towel to remove excess oil.

Fill in the cracks with wax. The wax fills in any open pores and small cracks or scratches.

Melt the paraffin or wax in the microwave and add to the mineral oil in a 1: 4 ratio.
Apply this solution to wood surfaces while the wax is warm. Spread over the entire surface with a rag.
Let the countertop cool and dry, and wipe again with a cloth to polish the surface.
Reapply wax once a month to maintain the surface.

Seal the countertop to keep out water and other liquids. If left as is, water can damage the wood. Other liquids and food can stain the wood.

Apply a polyurethane coating to the countertop surface. The sealed surface makes the worktop easy to clean, but is not recommended for use with cutting objects.
Choose urethane that is quality certified and can come in contact with food.
Coat at least 3 coats to obtain a good, hard finish.

Keep the worktop away from heat, use a hot plate or holder for hot dishes or utensils.

Clean the surface of any harmful bacteria. The tree kills a lot of bacteria, so naturally it a good choice for the material of the table top. The countertops are made of hardwood to keep bacteria out. However, you should clean the countertop using special means that remove surface bacteria.

In the vast majority of cases kitchen countertops are wooden surfaces, since wood is common and relatively affordable option... Environmental friendliness and good appearance - these are its advantages. But at the same time, one should not forget the susceptibility to destruction due to numerous external influences. However, this problem can be solved, since covering the countertop with protective components will help make the wood strong and durable, and will further improve its appearance.

Wooden countertops, unlike plastic ones, are environmentally friendly;
Unlike natural stone countertops, wooden counterparts are cheaper;
Naturalness in design. Attractive appearance;
Ease of restoration.

Disadvantages of wood as a component of kitchen furniture

The kitchen is characterized by extreme temperature fluctuations and high humidity, which has a very serious effect on wood, in contrast to the same stone and especially high-quality plastic.In this case, if we talk about the countertop, then it is necessary to note also the effect of fats, detergents, knives and similar things found in the kitchen. The above-mentioned plastic and natural stone again win in this regard.

Finally, a quality work surface made from good wood can be significantly more expensive than plastic, albeit cheaper than natural stone. Well, do not forget the danger of fire.

Oil is the best way to protect wood

It does not matter whether we are talking about the kitchen countertop, or about other wooden furniture products, today lacquer protection is practiced less and less. The reason is that the varnish is very environmentally friendly due to the large number of synthetic components. Well, in the case of this piece of furniture, where cooking takes place, the absence of harmful chemicals and naturalness is very important. At the same time, the lacquered surface is often scratched and needs updating.

Modern oil formulations are devoid of all these disadvantages. By applying them on a sanded, untreated wood surface, we create a layer on it that is distinguished by excellent resistance to water and other influences. At the same time, the texture of the wood does not change, but the oil itself does not have unpleasant odors, unlike varnishes. It is worth noting here that there are both natural and synthetic oils, as well as mineral ones.

All oils for wood are divided into two types - those that dry out immediately, and those that dry out partially. The first ones themselves represent a very serious protection for a wooden countertop, creating a durable solid layer on its surface. The latter impregnate wood to a certain depth. Wherein upper layer oils can be removed, and wax can be applied on top, for example.

What are the benefits of oil in protecting the countertop?

Complete safety in contact with food, which is important for the kitchen;
Oils allow you to mask scratches and minor damage on wood;
Resistant to high temperatures. Such oils do not delaminate or become liquid;
When applied to old wood, the oil protects the latter from drying out and destruction;
If it is necessary to renew the damaged fragment, it can be done as simply as possible with the help of oil. This will not work with varnish;
The oil-impregnated wood retains the possibility of natural moisture exchange, which prevents the appearance of fungus.

Oil coating process for wood countertops

Before starting work, you need to make sure that the wood is clean and that there are no remnants of the old paintwork... In this case, the surface must be carefully leveled and sanded. The recesses can be filled.

Important! Use a brush or soft cloth to apply the layer. The main thing is that the latter does not leave traces.

Working with a brush, it is enough to apply two coats. In the case of fabric, at least four are required. Applying each subsequent layer, you must wait until the previous one dries. In this case, the process usually lasts 12 hours.

Coating a wooden tabletop with paint

If the oil, for one reason or another, does not suit you very much, then paint can be an option for solving the problem. In the event that we are talking about an old board, then many actions are repeated here with the above. We also need to first clean the old layers of varnish or paint, then clean the surface from dirt and dust, sand it and smooth out any irregularities, if any. After priming, several layers of alkyd paint are applied to the wood.

Countertop foil

There is another way to protect the wooden surface of the countertop - by applying a self-adhesive film to it. This surface has several advantages:

The film does not allow water to pass through, and also firmly transfers the effects of various liquids and household chemicals;
The film design is varied. The material can simulate both various surfaces, so have a drawing or pattern;
Wanting to update the look, you can remove old film and mount a new one.

As the disadvantages, we can recall the fact that this element is still artificial, which negates all the above advantages of the tree. In addition, when applying the film, you must be careful, since the slightest mistake can lead to the appearance of folds and other defects that spoil the appearance of the wood.

How to prevent damage to the worktop

Even taking into account the relative fragility of wood, its correct operation can significantly extend the lifespan and maintain its original appearance. All that is necessary for this is to follow a few simple rules.

Do not wash the surface of the countertop with non-aggressive chemical means... Try to choose the right cleaning agent and do not delay cleaning.

Although the table top is still a work surface, it is best to use an appropriate board for cutting. Cutting board it can be plastic or wooden. In the case of the latter, certain care is also required:

To increase the protective qualities, as in the case of the worktop, wooden board for cutting can be coated with oil or antibacterial impregnation;
A simple remedy is plain sunflower or olive oil. To maintain the protective effect, it is recommended to apply at least once a month;
Remember to wash your board thoroughly hot water after each use, and dry well. As a preventive measure, you can wipe the board with hydrogen peroxide or vinegar. Use detergents for stubborn dirt.

If you still cannot protect the tabletop

Most often, damage to the tree appears in the form of chips or dents. However, the wood often rots, and these areas also need to be removed, which again leads to the formation of voids that need to be filled. In this case, you need to perform several actions:

Thoroughly clean the surface of the wood, as well as process it with sandpaper or a grinder;
Place the mixture in the grooves sawdust and putty or glue based on polyvinyl acetate. Then place it under a press and let it dry for several days;
Before painting or other surface treatment, it is important to give the sealed areas an even appearance.

The nuances of choosing a wooden countertop

So that all of the above problems occur to you as rarely as possible, and carrying out renovation works was not required. When choosing a wooden work surface for the kitchen, a number of nuances must be taken into account.

Material. If we talk about wood, then the most the best options are oak, teak, walnut and beech and others. These rocks are strong and durable. But they are also the most expensive. For other options, pine is the best choice. It contains resins that protect the wood from decay.

Manufacturing method. Solid countertops (array), which were mentioned above, are not affordable for everyone. Therefore, in the selection process, people often give options to glued models. The latter, especially if they consist of different types of wood, can combine strength, visual appeal and positive features all sorts of their constituent wood. Veneer is a very thin natural wood veneer. In the case of the countertop, he pastes over a slab of MDF or inexpensive wood. Finally, laminated options based on chipboard or MDF are very popular. They are distinguished by a wide variety of appearance.