How to prevent Merbau bed frame from staining mattress?

szylei

I just recently purchased a bed base made of Merbau from a local woodworker. The product is very beautiful but I am worried the tannin from the Merbau will stain the mattress itself. I doubt that there will be any intense stains since the mattress does not move or slide on the frame.

I would like to know if there is a product that can be recommened to help prevent the oils from staining the mattress and my bed sheets thats both natural and non-toxic but also very effective in preventing stains. Thanks!

EricL

Hello @szylei 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your Merbau bed frame.

Would it be possible for you to post a photo of the bedframe. If the wood worker has used pre-oiled panels the only way I'm aware of removing them is to use Cabot's 2L New Timber Prep followed by Cabot's 1L Deck Clean - 1L. The tannins must be removed or they will bleed into anything that comes in contact with it. Although the timber will be kept indoors there is still a chance that the tannins will come out and stain your bed sheets.

My best advice is to wash your bedframe first with the Cabot's products and allow the bedframe to dry off naturally. I then suggest sealing it with Cabot's 1L Satin Water Based Cabothane Clear Polyurethane Timber Varnish. However, I still suggest keeping an eye out for tannin bleed, it will appear as a discoloration under the sealer and will eventually chip off. 

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

Eric