Absolutely. In fact, kitchen benchtops are one of the ideal applications for Evolution Hardwax Oil.

Kitchen benchtops have a demanding life. Water gets splashed around the sink, cooking oils and food get spilt, hot mugs and dishes are put down, and the surface is wiped and cleaned constantly.

Evolution Hardwax Oil protects the timber while allowing its natural grain and character to remain part of the finished surface. It penetrates into the timber rather than creating a thick film over it, providing a durable, water-repellent finish that's practical for everyday kitchen use.

Certified food-safe

This is particularly important in the kitchen.

Evolution Hardwax Oil is independently certified food-safe once fully cured, making it suitable for timber surfaces that come into direct contact with food. That includes kitchen benchtops, chopping boards, serving boards and wooden utensils.

So you don't need a different finish for your chopping boards — Evolution Hardwax Oil can be used to protect them too.

What about water and spills?

Evolution Hardwax Oil is both water resistant and water repellent, making it particularly well suited to areas such as kitchen benchtops and bathroom vanities. It also provides resistance against the sorts of spills encountered in everyday use.

It isn't completely waterproof, however. Standing water and spills should still be wiped up promptly rather than being left on the timber for long periods.

Around particularly water-prone areas such as sinks — and on bathroom vanities — Giles often recommends applying a third coat of Evolution Hardwax Oil for an additional level of protection.

What about grease?

A properly finished benchtop also has good resistance to everyday cooking oils and grease. Whittle Waxes recommends two coats of Evolution Hardwax Oil for most timber benchtops, providing a durable, water-repellent and grease-resistant finish.

As with water, it's still good practice to wipe up spills rather than leaving them sitting on the timber.

Is it heat resistant?

Hardwax oil helps protect your timber, but it doesn't make timber heatproof. Very hot pots, pans and oven dishes shouldn't be placed directly onto a timber benchtop. Use a trivet or heatproof mat to protect the surface.

Easy to maintain

One of the real advantages of using hardwax oil on a kitchen benchtop is how easy it is to look after.

A benchtop is a working surface, so some wear over time is inevitable. Unlike many film-forming finishes, Evolution Hardwax Oil can generally be cleaned and refreshed without having to sand the entire surface back to bare timber. Localised areas can also be repaired if required.

Regular cleaning with the appropriate Whittle Waxes care products and refreshing the finish when required will help keep the timber protected and looking beautiful for years.

Giles' Tip

“Benchtops work hard, especially around the sink. Two coats will give you excellent protection, but in areas that are going to see a lot of water, I often recommend a third coat for that little bit of extra protection.”

— Giles Whittle-Herbert

About Giles Whittle-Herbert

Giles Whittle-Herbert has more than 30 years' experience in timber finishing and founded Whittle Waxes Australia in 2004. He was instrumental in introducing natural and safer hardwax oil finishes to Australia and has helped thousands of customers achieve beautiful, durable timber finishes. His practical advice is based on decades of hands-on experience working with timber floors, furniture, benchtops and architectural timber projects.