The project in detail
This counter in Faringdon had two specific problems that needed addressing before any finishing could happen. The first was a step in the surface left by the original installation, the kind of defect that is easy to miss at the time but becomes more noticeable once the counter has been in daily use. The second was a series of black rings from moisture penetrating the surface, a common consequence of a failing finish on a wooden kitchen counter. Both issues were resolved through the sanding process. The existing finish was stripped back completely, and the surface was sanded through the manufacturer-recommended grades, 80, 120, and 150, working progressively finer to remove the step, eliminate the black rings, and prepare the wood correctly for the new finish. Each grade has a specific job to do; skipping or rushing through them means the next stage doesn't go on as it should. Once the surface was flat, clean, and properly prepared, the counter was finished with OSMO hardwax oil, tinted to complement the natural tone of the wood while providing a durable, moisture-resistant finish. The silicone seal was removed and replaced with a fresh bead applied at consistent thickness throughout. The result corrects both the installation defect and the moisture damage, and leaves a counter that is properly finished and protected.
