How to prepare the Specite Golden Teak Acacia Multi Use Panel?

[Sarahgibson]

For my Kitchen bench I have recently purchased " Specrite 2200 x 600 x 26mm Golden Teak Acacia Multi Use Panel" which is pre-oiled. 

On their website it says."This acacia panel has been pre-finished. Before installation, apply a generous amount of wax or oil to all cut edges and back edges that may not be accessible after installation. Follow the wax or oil manufacturer’s instructions for application, recommended drying times between coats, and maintenance to ensure your panel continues to be protected. Re-treat as necessary."

What product do I use to treat the cut edges?

Can I lightly sand it, not removing the oil, and re-oil before use.

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Sarahgibson,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.

The Specrite 2200 x 600 x 26mm Golden Teak Acacia Multi Use Panels are prefinished with a timber oil, but those cut edges do need to be sealed to protect them.

I'd suggest you give the whole surface a light sand with some 240 Grit Sandpaper, just to be sure that it is perfectly smooth, then apply a coat of Feast Watson Kitchen Timber Oil to the board. For the cut edge, applying a second coat would a good idea, as the original layer of oil would have been removed when it was cut. This will give you a nice coating that will protect and enhance the beauty of the panel and will only require a small amount of maintenance.

If you wanted to use a different type of coating, such as a varnish, then you would need to sand back the surface to entirely remove the oil before application. Varnish protects the surface better than oil as it creates a film over the entire surface, so it might be worth considering. If you wanted to use varnish, this Cabots 1L Clear Gloss Benchtop Timber Finish would be a good option.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Sarahgibson]

Jacob,

Thank you for your helpful reply.

Can I use Gilly's Kitchen Bench Oil instead of Watson Kitchen Timber Oil? Is one better then the other? I wiil not want to sand it all the way back but just want to oil it.

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Sarahgibson,

Yes, you can use Gilly's Kitchen Bench Oil. 

I wouldn't say one is better than the other, as they serve much the same purpose. Everyone has their preferences, and from what I've seen, a lot of experienced woodworkers like the Gilly's products.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob