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...

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @Pete112 

I wouldnt  wax or  oil it as its  your office  table  those oils  can come out and stain you  papers on top soon after appliing it and it will need redoing in years to come.

Also approved  by manufacturer

I would clear varnish your table top and (underneath too a  once off) once as it stops stains getting into the wood and it really never needs maintenace unless the table top  gets  scratched up.

You can also add stain to  your table top and change its color  or just plain  clear  either in a satin or gloss finish,

When you are buying double  check if it is clear or tinted or gloss or satin ask the paint people to  help you here.  So a reasonably good  brush 50mm wide will see you finishing the  job in no time. a small foam roller brush will leave no brush marks.

I would apply 3 to 4 coats  just to protect the table top for many years to come maybe forever.

A good indoor varnish selection is 

Feast Watson 250ml Gloss Clear Varnish  I/N: 1520126  $25

https://www.bunnings.com.au/feast-watson-250ml-gloss-clear-varnish_p1520126

Or 

Feast Watson 250ml Clear Satin Varnish I/N: 1564540 $25

https://www.bunnings.com.au/feast-watson-250ml-clear-satin-varnish_p1564540

[JacobZ]

Hi @Pete112,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

It's great to see @Jewelleryrescue has already jumped in to provide some advice.

The Specrite 1800 x 600 x 18mm Beech Timber Panel comes unfinished, meaning it is raw timber with no coating. You don't necessarily need to add a coating to it, but if a liquid is spilled on it, it will penetrate the timber which can cause warping, discolouration and if left unchecked, rot.

There are a variety of options in terms of wax, oil or varnish, with pros and cons to each.

Wax, such as this Feast Watson Soft Wax is easy to apply with a cloth, maintains the wood's natural look and feel with a soft, satin finish and will offer basic protection from scratching and liquids. However, it does not penetrate deeply into the timber, will require regular reapplications and offers the least protection of the three options mentioned.

Oil, such as Gilly's 100% Pure Tung Oil will maintain a similar finish to wax, but it will penetrate deeper into the timber and offer more protection from liquids. It is relatively easy to apply and can be done with a cloth in the same way wax will. Of the three options, this would be my choice for your project.

Varnish, such as Cabot's Cabothane Clear Varnish will offer the highest level of protection to the timber as it forms a protective coating on the outside of the timber. The downside to this is the timber will lose its natural feel and some of its natural look.

These timber panels come fairly smooth from the production process, but it is worth giving it a once over with some 120 Grit Sandpaper to ensure it is as smooth as possible before applying your product. After sanding, brush the surface down to remove any sawdust.

For wax and oil, I'd suggest applying it with a microfibre cloth, for varnish, use a foam roller.

Let me know what you think and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[Pete112]

Do I need to oil/wax, then apply the vanish? Or can I apply the vanish directly as one and only one stage?

[JacobZ]

Hi @Pete112,

You would only apply one product.

If varnish is your choice, you would only apply varnish.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Pete112]

May be a silly question but the varnish is not food safe. So if I placed a sandwich on the timber, is it safe to eat?

Or is food safe more for chopping boards where you'll actually cut into the vanish/oil?

[JacobZ]

Hi @Pete112,

Food safe ratings are more concerned with surfaces being used for the preparation of food. I wouldn't suggest preparing food on it, but you won't have any issues placing a sandwich on it for a small amount of time.

Let me know if there is anything else I can assist with.

Jacob

[Pete112]

Awesome, thanks so much! I ended up going with your recommendation of the oil application and it's awesome!

One question I had while applying it. Should I apply the oil horizontally (longest side end to end) or vertically (shortest side end to end).

Here is my progress so far! 

?

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @Pete112 

Nice choice.

You can apply the oil in any direction just enough for it to soak in.

I  like to polish off the remaining excess using a circular motion like buffing a car.  

I then use a fresh final cloth like microfibre for the final polish.

[Pete112]

It is quite a process I must say. I have to wait 24hrs between coats and the manufacturer recommended 3-4 coats. I am not diluting it either.

I might just do 2 coats at the bottom, and 3-4 on the top and sides.

Reason why i went oil is that i can use this on chopping boards too!