Can I top coat my newly installed SpecRite pre-oiled Merbau deck or should I wait 8-12 weeks?

[akoong]

I have just installed a new SpecRite pre-oiled merbau deck in the backyard. Would it be better to apply a top coat now with Intergrain UltraDeck Timber Oi to fully protect the pre-oiled timber or should I wait 8-12 weeks as per the brochure? Thanks.

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @akoong. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about oiling Merbau.

You'll either need to wait 8-12 weeks for the timber to naturally weather, or you could use Cabots New Timber Prep to remove tannins prior to oiling. Once you've scrubbed the timber with the new timber prep, you'll need to use Cabot's Deck Cleaner and then wait for the deck to dry before oiling it.

If you don't remove the tannins, the timber will continue to leak red pigment, and your oil will not be absorbed as efficiently.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[akoong]

Hi @MitchellMc,

Thanks for your response. I thought using the SpecRite pre-oiled merbau decking boards will remove the need of using a timber prep to remove the tannins and can go straight to using a deck cleaner and finish off with the preferred top coating product. Please confirm.

Alan

[MitchellMc]

Hi Alan (@akoong),

The pre-oil ensures the bottom and sides are coated as these areas are typically missed when applying your oil. This aids in the longevity of the product. It still needs to be topcoated and to do this the tannins must be leeched out of it. You can certainly not use a timber prep product; you just need to wait 8-12 weeks for natural weathering.

As per the coating instructions:

This product has been primed with Feast Watson Industrial Timber Oil. A single coat has been applied to all four sides and is designed to help seal and protect your timber from moisture and UV before final topcoating. To fully protect your pre-oiled timber, topcoating is required within 8-12 weeks of installation. 

Topcoating 

Your pre-oiled merbau can be topcoated with most water-based and oil-based finishes. When choosing a topcoat, the most suitable product is best determined by the preferred finish. To maintain or highlight the natural appearance of the timber, a transparent, lightly pigmented oil is recommended such as Feast Watson Traditional Timber Oil. For longer lasting protection, Intergrain UltraDeck Timber Oil is recommended. To transform the colour of the timber, a semi-transparent stain such as Intergrain UltraDeck Timber Stain will impart a deeper colour whilst allowing the timber grain to show through. Timber will naturally go grey if left unfinished.

Mitchell

[akoong]

Thanks Mitchell @MitchellMc. Much appreciate the confirmation.