How to finish an outdoor picnic table made with treated H3 Pine?

[cjbro19]

Hi Team, 

I have made a picnic table out of treated H3 pine. I want to smooth the surface finish and have read a lot of articles about the dangers of sanding etc. I'm looking for some advice on this. Is it even safe to have the table as treated H3 pine? Should I just coat it in paint to smooth it? 

Cheers

[EricL]

Hello @cjbro19 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about painting your outdoor picnic table.

I don't recommend sanding the surface of the timber as it has been treated with chemicals. Once the sanded dust is in the air, it can pose as a health hazard. I propose using Zinsser 1L Water Based Smart Prime Undercoat on your table. 

It is a next generation interior/exterior undercoat that offers the performance of an oil-based undercoat in an advanced water-based formula. It has dependable stain blocking power with fast-dry convenience, exceptional flow and levelling and outstanding adhesion to glossy surfaces. 

This primer allows you to use any topcoat you prefer. For example, the Dulux Weathersheild is a water-based paint. It is an exterior paint designed to provide a tough and hardwearing finish for protection in all Australian weather conditions.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric