Thanks but this is not true. Black walnut is commonly used in butcher blocks, cutting boards, salad bowls and utensils. I don't know if those with nut allergies should use it though. However, some people, and animals, are sensitive to the wood shavings (skin rashes and respiratory problems) and as gardeners are aware of, plants do not grow close to a black walnut tree due to a substance in it that kills vegetation.

We would recommend a Waterlox finish. The Waterlox finish is both food safe and water resistant and requires no further application.

If you are going to apply Waterlox you will have to sand the entire top down to the raw wood. If you apply it on top the Waterlox will not soak in because of the beeswax.

It sounds like the "fine sanding" isn't enough. Something has gone chemically wrong with your application (either material or method or something). That means you PROBABLY have to get down to RAW WOOD once more (you will need to do MORE than fine sanding...you may have to see some wood dust sitting on your floor before you are down to raw wood) and then you need to start again.

As for the manufacturer not taking responsibility, this is not a finish they applied. They do not know the technique used. They had no control over the "sealing" of the materials. As far as they are concerned, they delivered a beautiful, raw, walnut counter top and installed it. What happened after that was out of their control. I'm sorry but they will not help financially. They might offer tips and techniques because you are client and they want you to enjoy their handy work. But they are not responsible for the use of materials after the material is installed.

My question becomes: What did the manufacturer recommend for use with their materials?

I know nothing about refinishing butcher block. If this were mine, the star of my kitchen, I were hire a professional furniture restorer to make a house call before tampering with it. It is beautiful wood and should look as good as you envisioned in your design.

We have seen this before, it is usually caused by insufficient sanding before finishing, as well as a buildup of "beeswax" (probably more carnuba wax if you're using commercial waxes).

The best remedy is to remove the wax with a wax remover and do multiple coats of oil (we use Tung oil).

For a quick fix, you can try using a high speed buffing wheel to melt the wax and spread it out. In our experience this works pretty well. Just the buffing wheel with no product on it. The buffing wheel will have no effect on the rest of the top except maybe to smooth it out and make it prettier.

Feel free to give us a call if you'd like to speak to someone about it, there seems to be a plethora of misinformation going on here. We specialize in walnut butcher block countertops.

Justin Brady, Owner