how to renovate a wooden sink?

Hi, this is not uncommon with solid wood worktops, as they require reletively high levels of owner imput to keep them fresh. The original finish will very likely be 'Danish Oil' which is very good but not so durable. To renovate from the condition you discribe is possible, firstly it will need to be completely taken back to the wood, removing all traces of the original coating. Next the surface should be scrubbed with hot soapy water, no harsh cleaners just washing up liquid or similar, and a plastic scouring pad and allowed to dry. This will remove most of the stains and the limescale deposits. Next sand with a fine sandpaper (180 grit) gently to remove any raised grain and as much of the remaining stains as possible. If the condition is quite poor it is unlikely you will be able to remove all the blemishes, and if you have a cracked surface these may need to be filled. When the prep has been completed clean the entire surface with kitchen roll and meths and allow to dry. Now you can begin to re-coat, you can either use danish oil again or a high quality urathane varnish. The oil will require a minimum of 6 coats and will need re-coating every 12 months or so, the varnish will need only 3 coats and will only need re-coating if damaged. The other option you have is to replace the sink run with a matching timber which, subject to size, may be a more economic solution. I hope this is helpful to you. Simon Matthews

Thank You for your reply to my answer. First I need some more information as follows:- 1 Where in the UK are you. (Post Code Only Please) 2 What Timber is your existing worktop made of. 3 Do you require me to include the plumbing cost. 4 Does your existing worktop have upstands at the back where it fits to the wall and if so what is the size of it Thank you, Dave Collier "Kitchens" First off I am assuming that the "Worktop" is timber and not the sink bowl itself ? In order to renovate this type of worktop properly, you will need to strip the worktop of all of the old surface residue "Varnish" etc. I would reccomend that the worktop be lifted off the units and taken to your garage and set it on benches to do it. Make sure you wear suitable face mask and get good eye and ear protection. The cleaning off is easily done with a good belt sander to start with, (sand in the same direction as the grain) then use a random orbital sander to get a good surface finish using a 180 grit paper(or above) to obtain a fine sanded surface. Next job is to repair any "rotted" out sections of the board. The right way to do it is using the sevices of your local Joinery shop to cut out the damaged sections and then joint in new sections of timber to suit. Ie. Oak,Ash,Maple, Teak what ever the timber is. The easy and cheaper way is to use a good quality 2 pack epoxy filler for timber, but only use if the rotten sections are very small. After this has been done, use a good quality oil to seal the worktop. The best on the market is Osma Oil, (Osma Polyx Oil) it is expensive but there is very little to compete with it. Designed by a German company for use on childeren's toys it dries to a completely safe and inert surface. It is ideal for food use as it contains all natural waxes etc to make it. You purchase it in a clear form so all it does is bring out the natural colour of the timber itself, make sure you read the instructions for use as this is very important in order to get a good quality finish. Also read up on aftercare, it is very easy to keep this surface looking good. I hope this helps you. Dave Collier. "Kitchens"