How to seal a Merbau tabletop?

HandyBird

I have purchased a merbau worktop from bunnings and want to use it as a table top under my bbq. Just wondering if I have to use a tannin remover and deck cleaner before polyurethane or will the polyurethane block the tannin leeching? secondly, do you recommend polyurethane as the finish given I will be cooking on the surface? The bench will be in the rain on a tiled deck and get some sun. Thanks in advance

MitchellMc

Hi @HandyBird,

I presume it's these Merbau Multi-use Panels. In their instructions they advise: Before Installation Your merbau panel has not been pre-finished. Before installation, you must apply a generous amount of wax or oil to all the panel surfaces, paying particular attention to the underside, cut edges and back edges, as these may not be accessible after installation. We recommend that all cut edges and end grains get a further three coats of wax or oil, to ensure that the oil has penetrated deep into the timber. Closely follow the wax or oil manufacturer’s instructions for application and recommended drying times between coats. Drying time depends on the relative humidity in the home at the time. Please give special attention to the oiling of the end grains and cut ends to seal them properly. Once all coats of oil are complete, allow 72 hours of drying before everyday use. 

There is no need to strip tannins before use. However, they do advise using a wax or oil and not a hard poly coating. You would most likely be fine to use a poly, though you might like to do a test section on the underside.

Bear in mind that timber surfaces should not receive any heat or have BBQs placed directly on them unless the BBQ is specifically designed to be able to be placed on a combustible surface. Also, you might find that an oil would be a better option if there is any heat at all from the bottom of the BBQ. Heat can compromise poly-coated surfaces.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell