Have a cherry countertop in kitchen. Has been a very dry winter and a narrow (finger nail) split has developed in countertop, approximately 8″ long, radiates out from sink. Top was finished using velvit oil, rubbed in with very fine sandpaper 400 grit and then after drying excess rubbed off. Allowed top to cure two or more weeks before using. Will increase in humidity draw wood together to eliminate split; is there something I can do to eliminate split and/or prevent growth in split.
Thanks to all.
Replies
You could take it off,inject wood or polyurethane glue with a needle into the crack,then clamp it overnight.Regardless of humidity fluctuation,coat the underside too with finish, as well as the top.The finish you describe will not prevent absorption and release of humidity,so it could shrink or swell again.Poly is better,but may chip.IMO, solid wood tops around water are never a good idea.But ideally,the cherry should be between 6-8% humidity as checked with a moisture meter.If you can get it,liquid 2 part epoxy is probably the best finish for this job.
Edited 3/24/2003 9:05:05 AM ET by JACKPLANE
Skip,
More than likely, if a crack has appeared it is related to the inability of the countertop to move with changes in its moisture content. If the crack is radiating from around the sink cut-out, then I would look underneath to see what type of fastening is holding the countertop down or if the countertop is actually squeezing against the sink.
I think you'll need to adjust the fastening system by enlarging holes in any metal brackets or wood cleating that is under there so that it allows for unrestrained movement within the bounds needed by the wood countertop.
You'll want to get the crack glued up again ASAP, so as to avoid contamination of the wood, which would interfere with adhesion. Can't see the crack from here, but frequently you can get glue down in even the smallest of cracks by laying a bead on top and sucking it thru from the other side with a shop vac.
From the sounds of things, you'll have to remove the countertop to get the required clamps on it to draw things back together again.
PS - When you reclamp the top, don't allow your metal clamps to contact and remain touching any of the countertop or you could end up with a black stain that will require some sanding to remove.
Edited 3/24/2003 11:11:06 AM ET by GOLDHILLER