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coolnicknamehere t1_j6czojt wrote

Oil absorption is affected bay grain direction. End grain and oblique (raising) grain absorves more oil than flat oriented grain.

So if you want it to look a more even sheen on it, try applying more oil, but it nonetheless it might stay like that.

Butcher blocks are not always end grain, and judging by the size of the block, an end grain board would not be a good idea because it would be prone to breaking if hit or dropped. And if used as a countertop wood movement (seasonal expansion and contraction due to water absorption) would be a PITA.

Anyways, i have to say using oil as a countertop finish was maybe not a good choice. It is easier and faster to apply, but it would've been better to use epoxy or polyurethane, as it is harder and more durable. Now that you used oil, if you apply any of those on it, it might not adhere to wood.

If you cannot, for instance flip the board and apply normal PU barnish or epoxy, just be cautious to always use a chopping board on top of the countertop (which seems like what you were trying to avoid)

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Laurenhynde82 OP t1_j6d06g6 wrote

Thanks, really appreciate the advice. I know from the other parts of the kitchen it will look different in 6 hours when it’s properly dry anyway so will see and take it from there! It’s a lot more obvious when it’s wet still

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jacknifetoaswan t1_j6f2wt2 wrote

I'd have used something like Odie's Oil instead of mineral oil, but that's just me...

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metz123 t1_j6f3d7o wrote

Oil is a perfectly fine countertop finish, if, as you said, you don’t chop directly on it. We have a traditional butcher block island counter top that we oil occasionally (every 6 months or so) and its held up just fine to daily use as a counter top, not as a chopping surface.

The nice thing about oil is that you can easily sand or even steam out dings and dents and just oil those areas and get a great consistent finish.

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