How to finish Specrite Beech timber panel?

[Pete112]

Hi there,

I have purchaed thjs timber panel to build a office table. I thought it was simple where I just need to buy table legs and i am done. However, the instruction says that I need to apply a finish to it e.g) wax or oil.

As i am new to all this, I am looking for some guidance to my questions:

1. Should I apply wax or oil? And what is the difference between the two?

2. Is wax or oil really required?

3. Do I need to sand the table top, or can I just apply the wax/oil directly?

4. Does the wax/oil need to be applied to the entire table top (top, bottom, side) or can I get away with not doing the bottom?

4. What is the best application for wax or oil? What sort of brush do I need?

https://www.bunnings.com.au/specrite-1800-x-600-x-18mm-timber-panel-beech-fj-laminated_p0415273?stor...

[JacobZ]

Hi @Pete112,

It won't make a massive difference, but oiling in the direction of the grain is generally recommended. This would mean applying it vertically, running from the bottom of your image to the top.

Don't forget to post an update once it's finished. I'd love to see how it looks when you're done.

Let me know if you have any further questions. 

Jacob

[Pete112]

My timber board have curved after applying the product. Is this expected?

Should I place weights on the corner to keep it flat?

[EricL]

Hello @Pete112 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your beech timber panel.

The timber will start curving if left exposed too long uncoated or unprotected. It's vital that you coat the timber as soon as possible once you remove the plastic covering. I propose using an oil coating over the top and bottom of the panel. The sides must be coated as well to prevent further moisture contamination. 

I suggest putting weights on the corners of the panel to try and straighten it out. An ordinary paint brush will be enough to spread the oil evenly.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Pete112]

I wish I knew this earlier can it be saved or am I going to have to live with a bent table top? I've put about 15kg on each corner but it doesn't seem to be going down or will it take time?

[Pete112]

Should I leave it with weights on, or should I start oiling it asap? The tung oil takes a very long time to apply and afraid it might get worst but I can't put the weight ontop of wet oil right or else it won't dry nicely? What should I do?

[JacobZ]

Hi @Pete112,

As timber comes from trees that don't always grow perfectly straight, the grain structure of the timber can cause it to warp when liquids are applied. This can be expected with natural timber products, but a severe curve is not acceptable and should not be expected from a single application of oil.

Can you add a photo looking at the full extent of the short side of the panel that shows the full curve?

You can add weights to the corners of the benchtop panel to counteract some of the curvature, but if it is a severe curve, this might not fully reverse the problem.

You can also screw timber across the underside of the timber to help pull it back to a perfectly flat surface, but this may detract from the aesthetic.

If the curve is too severe, your best option may be to return to the store of purchase and exchange it for a new one. I am happy to help facilitate this if required.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob 

[Pete112]

As I've used quite abit of tung oil already, I'm going to see if I can save the timber it as the oil is quite expensive. I've added about 30kg on each side of the bench and it seems to have helped significantly overnight. I am going to add more oil to get the timber wet and add more weights on the other side as there is still a bend to it.

Do you think it will curve again? Is it only curving at the time of oil application that I should be concerned about?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Pete112,

As mentioned by my colleagues, once the timber is removed from its packaging, it begins to acclimatise to the new environment. Some slight distortion could be expected if the new environment is quite moist, but this cupping is quite extensive. You might like to place a piece of timber in the middle to raise the panel so the weights are more effective in reversing the distortion. 

Once oiled and the issue is corrected, it most likely will not occur again. However, if you have any further issues, then I would suggest returning the panel. If you speak to a manager and mention you've used a significant quantity of oil, I trust they would find it reasonable to replace the oil for you. Let me know if you intend to return the panel, and I'd be more than happy to contact the store to arrange the replacement panel and oil.

Let me know how you go.

Mitchell