wooden worktop restore

We have wooden worktops in our kitchen. Previous owner put them in and they're a bit of a pain, but I've reoiled the main kitchen area and they don't look too bad but the utility room is quite marked so I'd like to strip it and re oil using the below link as a guide

Refreshing a wooden worktop - How to fix, build, decorate, repair and other DIY tips with DIY Donny

Firstly, is this about right?

Secondly, I've tried a small area hand sanding and all I get is a sanding block full of crud. Its basically oil build up and dirt on the surface that clogs the sandpaper within seconds. Is there something I should be using first to strip off any gunk before I start sanding? And although I have a sander, its only a hand mouse thing that I borrowed. Can I use this or should I be sanding with the grain by hand?

I've read that the best method is wire wool and white spirit. I've oiled lots of wood but haven't had to remove any yet so can't say for sure how to do it.

That about covers it. Fairly coarse wire wool to remove the old stuff. Personally i would use Tung oil rather than Danish oil. It is more work, but works better in my experience. tung oil needs to be applied and then the excess removed half an hour later, and you need to repeat until the wood will take no more (Captain)

So, clean with wire wool, then sand. Is that orbital mouse OK or should I sand by hand in straight lines?

This is lovely and the kind of thing I hope to do when the workshop is done...



Just an idea! I like the lacquer / epoxy layer to fill in the defects

That's a lovely bit of wood. Is it walnut?

Originally Posted by mallett

So, clean with wire wool, then sand. Is that orbital mouse OK or should I sand by hand in straight lines?

Work with the grain.Deck oil works great btw (as in marine/boat decks not garden decks, tho its all similar shit...).IIRC we used to use a mild caustic acid with the wire wool.

I'm quite a fan of cabinet scrapers to finish good hardwood (they are crap on softwood IMO) but they take a bit of effort to keep sharp so failing that wire wool is pretty good.

I've used wire wool on gun stocks and they come out lovely. Good stuff.

Originally Posted by Zanx

I've used wire wool on gun stocks and they come out lovely. Good stuff.

Originally Posted by Adam

WOODEN gun stocks

Originally Posted by Zanx

WOODEN gun stocks

Originally Posted by demographic

I'm quite a fan of cabinet scrapers to finish good hardwood (they are crap on softwood IMO) but they take a bit of effort to keep sharp so failing that wire wool is pretty good.

This is walnut aparrently (Canadian as the vendor was at pains to point out when we viewed the place. Shame he didnt point out the shit electrics and plumbing). I'll have a look and see if that suits the job, ta.

Originally Posted by Mr Rooty Tooty

This is lovely and the kind of thing I hope to do when the workshop is done...



Just an idea! I like the lacquer / epoxy layer to fill in the defects

This was one I saw a while ago, very slow to do but not many people have access to a surface planer big enough to handle wood this wide.