I just bought a birch butcher block countertop from Home Depot. The instructions (https://www.homedepot.com/catalog/pdfImages/71/71b1d057-7ed6-4336-a063-fb816fb7110c.pdf) states that "the butcher block MUST be sealed or finished on all surfaces within 48 hours of removing shrink wrap."
Any idea why this is? Is it to prevent warping of the wood? To prevent moisture from getting into it?
Best Answer
Answer compiled from multiple comments to the question:
Wood is dried just before being shrink-wrapped. The second the wood is unsealed, dust and moisture can start to absorb into the wood. Both cause issues with a clean finish and water can cause damage in some situations.