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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
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    Townsville
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    Default new merbau bench tops

    Hello, wood newbie here as I usually work with metal.
    I purchased two bench tops from a local hardware store that are fabricated with merbau blocks.
    These will (hopefully) be kitchen work tops.
    Researching online for suitable finishes has left me more confused than ever.
    They wont have raw foods prepared on them so what would be the best coating to use?
    I've never used oils on wood before so are there any "gotchas" if I go that route.
    Thanks

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    SE Melb
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    64
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    Default

    I'd suggest Whittle hard wax oil.

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Location
    Townsville
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    Default

    I had a look at the Whittle Wax but it says its open-pored, breathable and moisture-regulating surface finish.
    If its open pored doesnt that mean moisture can get in?
    I'm worried about the tannin staining if it gets wet or whatever.

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Sydney
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    2,205

    Default

    Is Merbau like Tas Oak re tannin?
    If it is Id be very carefull and use a bulletproof finish.
    I used a Tung oil finish on my second lot of benchtops and the tannin stains are amazing.
    The hair pins are there in exact detail along with a print from every other steel item the ladies left in a puddle. I realise these can be removed with oxalic acid but they’ll only reappear.
    My first attempt in Jarrah which I repurposed into a desk for my son is still perfect.
    Made about 30 years ago I used a nasty two pack which has stood up amazingly well.
    H.
    Jimcracks for the rich and/or wealthy. (aka GKB '88)

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    6,974

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by clear out View Post
    Is Merbau like Tas Oak re tannin?
    If it is Id be very carefull and use a bulletproof finish.
    I used a Tung oil finish on my second lot of benchtops and the tannin stains are amazing.
    The hair pins are there in exact detail along with a print from every other steel item the ladies left in a puddle. I realise these can be removed with oxalic acid but they’ll only reappear.
    My first attempt in Jarrah which I repurposed into a desk for my son is still perfect.
    Made about 30 years ago I used a nasty two pack which has stood up amazingly well.
    H.
    Merbau,does have a lot of tannin,
    When we build decks out of it, we let the deck sit for a few weeks, before applying an oil finish.
    It is in my opinion a lovely timber, but just need to let the Tannins cone out.

    Cheers Matt

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
    Location
    NSW
    Age
    37
    Posts
    1,126

    Default

    i installed some of those merbau project panels from bunnings in my rental property as they where half price when i bought them so pretty cheap.

    i ended up coating them with this
    Cabot's 1L Benchtop Clear Satin Timber Finish | Bunnings Warehouse




    i think its held up ok, but i haven't been over in a while to inspect.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Location
    Townsville
    Posts
    3

    Default

    I looked at the cabots benchtop as the first choice but it states its not waterproof just water resistant so that discouraged me.
    It really looks like a two pack is going to be the stuff to use.

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