Best Oil for Kitchen Worktops: Choosing and Applying the Perfect Finish

Date: 2nd January 2025
Categories: Barrettine, Products


Any investment, whether large or small, is worth protecting. When it comes to wooden kitchen worktops, this couldn't be more true. These beautiful surfaces face everything from morning coffee spills to daily meal preparations, and so proper protection is essential.

Choosing the best oil for kitchen worktops can feel like navigating a maze of options, with each product each claiming to be superior. But how do you weigh up your options and choose the best oil for you?

At Barrettine, we've spent over 145 years perfecting our wood care formulations. We understand that wooden worktops aren't just functional surfaces - they're an investment. That's why we're here to guide you through the essential qualities that make a truly exceptional worktop oil, and show you how to achieve professional-grade results that stand the test of time.

Whether you're a trade professional guiding clients through their options or a DIY enthusiast determined to protect your investment, our guide will walk you through  the qualities to look for in a premium oil for kitchen worktops.  

What should you look for in a hard wax oil?

When selecting a hard wax oil for your wooden worktop, several key qualities determine whether a product will provide lasting protection and beauty. From durability and food safety to aesthetic appeal, we'll guide you through the essential characteristics that make up the best oil for your wooden worktop.

Resistance to daily wear and tear

Kitchen worktops face constant challenges from daily use, making the choice of oil crucial. Solid wood worktops represent a significant investment, often crafted from premium materials like solid oak, and require a durable finish to maintain their condition.

The right oil creates a protective barrier that shields the surface of the wood from everyday wear and tear, ensuring your worktop stays in good condition for years to come. From hot pans to sharp utensils, your wooden surfaces need robust protection that won't compromise under pressure. A quality wood worktop oil should provide a tough, resilient finish that withstands the rigours of daily kitchen life.

Food safety

When treating timber products in kitchen environments, food safety certification is non-negotiable.

The best oil for kitchen worktops must be specifically formulated for food preparation areas, preventing bacterial growth while maintaining the natural beauty of the wood.

Your chosen treatment should provide peace of mind that your wooden surfaces are safe for food contact and family use. This certification ensures that once cured, the finish won't leach harmful substances into food or pose any risk during food preparation activities. Look for products that meet recognised safety standards and offer documented proof of their food-safe credentials.

Resistance to moisture and spills

Kitchen surfaces regularly encounter water, steam, and various liquids, making moisture resistance a crucial factor.

The ideal worktop oil should create a protective layer that repels liquids while allowing the wood to breathe naturally. This balance prevents damage from spills while avoiding the trapped moisture that can lead to bacteria growth beneath the surface.

A quality finish should give you time to clean up spills before they penetrate the wood, while its microporous nature ensures the timber can regulate its moisture content naturally, preventing warping or splitting over time.

Beautiful aesthetics

The natural beauty of wood kitchen worktops deserves to be highlighted, not hidden.

The best wood worktop oil should work with the natural colour and grain of the wood, creating a smooth finish that brings out the timber's aesthetic appeal.

Whether working with oak worktops or denser woods, the oil should complement and showcase the wood's character. The right oil penetrates deep into the surface, enriching the natural colour while providing a lustrous finish that doesn't look artificial or plastic-like.

Best oil for kitchen worktops: introducing Armourflex® Hardwax Oil

Barrettine's Armourflex® Hardwax Oil exemplifies all these essential qualities, making it the ideal choice for wooden worktops.

This specialist formulation combines natural soya oils, linseed oil, and carnauba wax to create a microporous finish that offers exceptional protection without compromising on appearance.

The product is certified Food and Toy Safe (when dry to EN 1186:2002 & EN71:3), provides outstanding liquid repellence, and creates a hard-wearing surface that resists stains and abrasions.

Unlike traditional treatments that can crack or peel, Armourflex® maintains its integrity while allowing easy spot repairs if needed. Available in both matt and satin finishes, it suits various interior styles while providing professional-grade protection.

Applying Hard Wax oil for the best finish

The initial step in applying Armourflex® Hardwax Oil involves proper surface preparation. Complete a patch test on an inconspicuous area to make sure that you are happy with the final result.

Ensure your wooden surface has acclimatised to the room for several days and has a moisture content below 15%. Remove any previous coatings by thoroughly sanding the surface. If there are resinous deposits, scrape these away and degrease the area with methylated spirits. Fill any cracks or open joints with a suitable wood filler.

Stir the hard wax oil thoroughly before use - do not shake. Apply sparingly using either a short-pile roller, high-quality brush, or lint-free cloth. Work in the direction of the wood grain, taking care not to over apply and any excess should always be wiped up after application, remember less is more. Remember that dense hardwoods require less product than softer woods. Allow approximately 4 hours drying time under normal conditions (23°C, 50% humidity).

Allow approximately 4 hours drying time under normal conditions (23°C, 50% humidity). For maximum protection, particularly on newly installed worktops, a second coat may be applied after light keying with fine sandpaper and remember to wipe any excess off after this second coat as the wood surface will naturally require less oil.

Safety note:

Always work in a well-ventilated area and remember that oil-soaked cloths can self-combust. After use, soak application cloths in soapy water and lay them flat outdoors to dry on a non-combustible surface.

Ready to transform your wooden worktops? Choose Armourflex Hard Wax Oil today

Armourflex® Hardwax Oil is available through a number of our trusted partners both online and in shops.

With our extensive experience in wood care solutions and commitment to quality, you can trust Barrettine to provide products that deliver exceptional results. We're here to help you get the best oil for kitchen worktops, and provide all the guidance necessary to apply with confidence.

Contact us through our online form to discuss your wood care needs or locate your local Barrettine distributor. Our technical team is always happy to provide guidance on the treatment of timber products and help you achieve the perfect finish for any wooden surface.


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