How to sand Specrite Acacia panel?

[marty2]

Hello there,

I’ve bought an acacia wood panel with the intention of making an office desk. I’ve begun sanding it back with the aim of coating it with Cabot’s Satin Clear Benchtop Timber finish.

However in the process of sanding the pre-coated oil seems to come together in clumps on the surface which are difficult to remove as well as quickly clogging up the sandpaper.

Is there a better way to prepare the surface for the clear finish?

[EricL]

Hello @marty2 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about sanding your acacia wood panel.

What you’re seeing is very common with factory-oiled acacia panels. The “oily clumps” and clogged sandpaper happen because the surface is still rich with natural oils or waxes that heat up and smear when abraded. To get a smooth, clean surface ready for Cabot’s Satin Clear Benchtop Finish, you’ll need to de-oil the timber before continuing to sand. 

I suggest wiping down the surface with a solvent cleaner such as mineral turpentine or methylated spirits. Apply it liberally to a clean cloth or rag and rub the surface thoroughly to lift the surface oils. You may need to do this more than once if the rag continues to pick up residue. Allow the timber to dry for a few hours afterwards so that the solvent completely evaporates.

Once the surface feels dry and no longer greasy, use fresh sandpaper starting around 120grit and moving to 180grit for the final sand before finishing. Sand lightly and evenly, and if the paper begins to gum up again, stop and repeat the solvent wipe. Avoid fine sandpaper grits such as 240 too early, as they can generate heat and cause the oils to smear again.

After sanding, remove all dust with a vacuum or tack cloth. Do not use a wet cloth, since moisture can raise the grain. If you want to be certain that no oil remains, you can apply a light wipe with methylated spirits one last time before the finish coat.

Now you can proceed with Cabot’s Benchtop Clear Satin, following the directions on the can. Apply the first coat thinly with a good quality synthetic brush or applicator, allow it to dry fully, and then sand very lightly with 240grit before applying the next coat. Two to three coats usually provide a smooth, durable finish.

If you still find the surface oily after the solvent cleaning, consider using Cabot’s Wood Clean (or Feast Watson Surface Clean) prior to sanding.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[marty2]

Thank you so much for your detailed reply Eric! That’s very helpful.

Marty