Worktop Oil

WOCA Worktop Oil for worktops, tables and cutting boards

WOCA Worktop Oil is a deeply penetrating oil for the initial treatment and periodic maintenance of wooden kitchen worktops, tabletops, furniture and cutting boards indoors.

The oil protects the wood against water, dirt and everyday use while enhancing its natural colour, grain and variations.

Once fully cured, WOCA Worktop Oil is approved for contact with food in accordance with the relevant European requirements. This makes it suitable for wooden surfaces on which food is prepared or served.

Approved for contact with food

WOCA Worktop Oil carries the European Food Contact Materials label. This means that a correctly treated surface is suitable for contact with food after the oil has fully cured.

This approval applies only when:

• The oil has been applied according to the instructions

• All excess oil has been completely removed

• The surface has been given sufficient time to dry and cure

• The treated wood is maintained correctly

• The full curing time of approximately one week is observed

The correct and verifiable description is:

WOCA Worktop Oil has been independently tested and approved for contact with food after complete curing.

Suitable for different wooden surfaces

WOCA Worktop Oil can be used on:

• Wooden kitchen worktops

• Dining tables and side tables

• Cutting boards

• Wooden kitchen accessories

• Furniture and cabinet tops

• Untreated wood

• Previously oiled wood that has been thoroughly cleaned and sanded

• Light and dark wood species

Use the product indoors only.

Benefits of WOCA Worktop Oil

• Powerful protection against water and dirt

• Penetrates deeply into the wood

• Enhances the natural wood grain

• Suitable for light and dark wood species

• Approved for contact with food after complete curing

• Suitable for kitchen worktops, tables, furniture and cutting boards

• Suitable for initial treatment and periodic maintenance

• Easy to apply manually

• Available in different colours

• Indicative coverage: approximately 12–15 m² per litre

Choosing Natural or White

WOCA Worktop Oil Natural deepens the wood’s natural colour and gives darker wood species a warmer, golden appearance.

WOCA Worktop Oil White contains light pigments and helps preserve the pale appearance of light-coloured wood species.

Always carry out a test on an inconspicuous area or a piece of spare wood first. The final colour is influenced by:

• The wood species

• The wood’s natural colour

• The sanding grit

• The absorbency of the surface

• The number of coats applied

• Any previous treatment

Grey and Black are being phased out by WocaStore and are available only while stocks last.

Preparing the wood

Correct preparation largely determines the final result.

The wood and oil must be at least 15°C during application. A temperature of approximately 20°C and a relative humidity of around 50% are ideal.

Ensure adequate ventilation during application and drying.

Sanding untreated wood

Sand untreated or completely stripped wood evenly. Preferably finish with approximately 120–150 grit.

Do not sand unnecessarily finer, as an excessively smooth surface may absorb less oil.

Thoroughly remove all sanding dust with a vacuum cleaner and clean cloth.

Previously treated wood

Old lacquer, wax, dirt and damaged finishing layers must be completely removed before applying WOCA Worktop Oil.

A previously oiled surface must be cleaned and, if necessary, evenly sanded. New oil can penetrate and adhere correctly only when the surface is clean, dry, absorbent and free from maintenance residue.

Cleaning before oiling

Clean the surface thoroughly with WOCA Intensive Wood Cleaner Spray or a suitable solution of WOCA Intensive Wood Cleaner.

Wipe the surface according to the cleaner’s instructions and remove all cleaning residue.

Allow the wood to dry for at least 8 hours at approximately 20°C. The surface must be completely clean and dry before oiling.

The moisture content of the wood must not exceed 18%.

Always carry out a test

Test the oil on a small, inconspicuous area or a piece of spare wood before use.

Allow the test area to dry completely before assessing the colour, sheen and absorption.

Mix containers with different batch numbers before use to prevent possible differences in colour and sheen.

How to apply WOCA Worktop Oil

Step 1 – Stir the oil thoroughly

Stir the oil thoroughly before and during use.

Pigments in coloured versions may settle at the bottom and must be completely and evenly mixed into the oil.

Step 2 – Apply an even coat

Apply a thin, even and covering coat with a suitable brush or short-pile oil roller.

If possible, also treat the underside and edges of a separate worktop. This helps reduce the risk of uneven moisture absorption and deformation.

Step 3 – Allow the oil to penetrate

Allow the oil to penetrate the wood for approximately 30 minutes at 20°C.

Apply a small additional amount to areas that begin to appear dry during this period.

Step 4 – Work the oil into the wood

Work the oil into the wood in the direction of the grain using a white or beige polishing pad.

This distributes the oil evenly and works it thoroughly into the surface.

Step 5 – Remove all excess oil

Remove all excess oil with clean cotton cloths.

Wipe the surface completely dry. No wet, shiny or thick layer of oil should remain.

If excess oil is not removed, the surface may remain sticky and dry unevenly.

Step 6 – Apply additional coats

Allow the surface to rest for approximately one hour and then repeat the treatment.

A new or highly absorbent surface should generally receive two to three treatments before use. Several thin coats are preferable to one thick coat.

The required number of treatments depends on the wood species and absorbency.

Step 7 – Wet-sand for a smooth finish

During the final treatment, the wet oil can be carefully sanded in the direction of the wood grain using waterproof 320–400 grit abrasive paper.

Immediately remove all oil and sanding residue with a clean, lint-free cotton cloth.

Wipe the surface completely dry.

Drying and curing times

Under normal conditions of approximately 20°C and 50% relative humidity, use the following guidelines:

• After cleaning with Intensive Wood Cleaner: allow at least 8 hours to dry

• Between oil treatments: approximately 1 hour

• Careful light use: after approximately 24 hours

• Fully cured: after approximately one week

Do not allow the surface to come into contact with water during the first 24 hours.

Treat it carefully during the first week. Wipe up spilled liquids immediately and do not leave wet objects on the wood.

Lower temperatures and higher humidity will extend the drying time.

Daily cleaning and maintenance

Use Eco Multi Cleaner Spray for normal daily or weekly cleaning of the worktop.

Preferably spray a small amount onto a soft cloth and wipe the surface. Do not allow the wood to remain wet for an extended period.

Use WOCA Natural Soap approximately once every one or two months for additional conditioning. Apply it with a well-wrung cloth.

Apply another thin coat of WOCA Worktop Oil when required, generally about once a year. Heavily used worktops and cutting boards may require earlier maintenance.

Maintenance is required when:

• The wood begins to look dry or depleted

• Water is absorbed more quickly

• The colour becomes locally dull

• The surface becomes more difficult to clean

• Worn areas become visible

For a thorough restoration, repeat the complete cleaning, sanding and oiling procedure.

Maintaining cutting boards

Oil will wear more quickly on cutting boards because of cutting, washing and contact with food.

Clean the board after use according to the appropriate hygiene requirements and allow it to dry thoroughly. Do not soak a wooden cutting board in water or clean it in a dishwasher.

Apply Worktop Oil again when the wood begins to look dry, pale or rough. Do not use the cutting board again until the oil has fully cured.

Packaging, coverage and colours

• Packaging: 750 ml

• Indicative coverage: approximately 12–15 m² per litre

• Suitable for two to three thin treatments, depending on the wood species

• Available in Natural and White

• Grey and Black are being phased out by WocaStore and are available while stocks last

• For indoor use only

Technical information and guides

View the WOCA Worktop Oil brochure

View the official WOCA product information

View the WOCA guide to oiling a wooden worktop

Important safety information

Oil-soaked cloths, pads and abrasives may cause fire through spontaneous combustion.

• Immediately spread used cloths and pads out to dry completely outdoors, or

• Fully soak them in water and store them in a tightly sealed metal container

• Never place crumpled oil-soaked cloths directly into a waste bin

• Ensure adequate ventilation during application and drying

• Keep the product out of reach of children

• Always follow the safety instructions on the label and in the technical documentation

Important: food-contact safe means that a correctly treated surface is suitable for contact with food after the oil has fully cured. It does not mean that the liquid oil is edible.