How to remove Cabots Exterior Clear from a solid oak table?

Question

Hi,

I have recently purchased a new solid oak dinning table, I decided to add a UV protectant to increase the life of the table (Cabot’s Exterior Clear - Matt)

.

I didn’t sand the table and just painted the product directly on the table top.

The coat has not taken and you can peel it off the table with relative ease as the surface is quite smooth.

I can remove some of the coat simply by using my fingernails but I’d like to follow the best and easiest process.

Please advise?

Thanks,

Tim

MitchellMc · Answer

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @tsparks. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about coating timber.

I'm sorry to hear you've run into difficulties applying the Cabot's Exterior Clear.

Is the surface smooth to the touch, or can the grain be felt? This appears to be a rustic-style finish that isn't smooth. If that is the case, then it would be difficult to follow application directions for previously coated timber, as part of that is sanding the surface. The undulations in the height of timber due to the rustic effect would prevent you from sanding the low spots.

At this stage, sanding the coating off would be the best move forward and then following the application instructions for previously coated timber below.

Previously Varnished Timber
Lightly sand and remove all sanding dust, then check for adhesion by applying one coat to a small test area and allow to dry for 4 hours. Press a piece of sticky tape firmly to the surface and pull off quickly. If the coating isn't removed with the tape, clean surface with Cabot's Deck Clean following label instructions and coat with Cabot's Exterior Clear Water Based.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell