Expert: Eileen Cronk - 10/13/2007

Question
I have butcher block countertops that I would like to stain darker.  Part of them have mineral oil finish and part have a salad bowl finish on them.  They are maple and I want them to look cherry, and shiny.  They are about 10 years old.  Thanks

Answer
Hi Alice
Nice to hear from you.
First before any stain is attempted, all the oil will need to be removed...all of it.
First I would give the tops a strip with paint stripper which should remove the oils.
Use steel wool pads as scrubbers to really clean them.
Next stain in the color of your choice and when dry apply more oil.
Be advised that a lot of maple will not take stain. Its just too hard for stain to absorb into.
I have had older maple that stained very well too, so I suggest a small test area before proceeding to see the result.
Good Luck and good question
Regards
Eileen