Return Burned Wood Countertops Back To Their Former Glory With A DIY

There's something about wood countertops that looks extra inviting and beautiful. But oh, how fragile they can be. One of the things you should never do if you have butcher block countertops is expose them to heat. But, accidents happen, so don't beat yourself up if you've accidentally placed a hot pan on the wooden surface. The good news? Those scorch marks don't have to be permanent. You also don't need a costly countertop replacement to get rid of them. With a few simple steps and a special mineral oil and paraffin wax concoction, you can restore your wood countertops and make those unsightly marks a thing of the past.

Not to state the obvious, but burns can really detract from the overall appearance of wood worktops. For that reason, taking precautions and performing regular maintenance is essential to protect this natural material from damage (more on that below). But first — gather your burn mark removal supplies. You'll need a non-toxic stripper if the countertop is varnished or painted. Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel is a top pick for this job. Use 120-grit and 180-grit sandpapers and a power sander if your wood countertop is left as-is. Wood filler (like the best-selling $8.54 Gorilla All-Purpose Wood Filler) is also handy to have depending on the extent of the burn. Last on the list is food-safe wood finish, which we'll show you how to DIY. Now, roll up your sleeves, and let's get into the 4-step restoration process.

To begin, remove any varnish or paint from the wood surfaces with your stripping product. If that's not necessary, you can just skip to sanding. Start with the 120-grit sandpaper, going over the damaged area until the burn marks are gone. Give the countertop a quick wipe-over, then move on to the 180-grit sandpaper to give it a smooth finish. Burn looking a bit too deep? This is when you'll apply wood filler into uneven spots (now is also a great time to fill in cracks if you notice any).

Next, clean your solid wood worktops with a damp cloth, and leave them to dry before adding the protective layer. To make your wood rub, mix 4 parts mineral oil and 1 part melted paraffin wax in a small container, apply liberally, and buff to your desired sheen level. This mixture also conditions the wood to enhance its natural beauty, plus helps hide the visibility of the repair. Alternatively, you could go straight to re-varnishing or painting the wood countertop to change its color. Don't forget to top it off with a food-safe, clear coat if you go this route.

Now onto preventing future burns so you don't end up repairing your wood countertops again. In addition to the mineral oil and paraffin wax, you could regularly seal your butcher block countertops with natural ingredients, like walnut oil, beeswax, as well as linseed oil to list a few. Tung oil is also a great choice for its heat-resistant properties. Finally, heat-resistant pads and silicone mats are your best friends to protect your precious countertops.