How to fix painted Merbau baseboards bleeding?

[kfitz]

Hello. Our builders put up merbau baseboards without letting them bleed out first. Now this is coming through the paint. Has this been done incorrectly and how do we fix this? 

[EricL]

Hello @kfitz 

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

If your installer has used pre-oiled merbau boards and was not allowed to properly bleed out, the stain will continue to keep coming. I recommend sanding down the board until the surface is fully exposed. You can allow the Merbau piece to season naturally, or you can wash its surface with Cabot's 2L New Timber Prep - 2L.  It is designed to remove tannins and oils from bare new timber surfaces to allow for immediate coating. New Timber Prep skips the recommended timber weathering period of 4-6 weeks for new timber.

If the oil is heavily imbedded in the timber piece a second wash might be necessary to remove the oils and tannins on the product. 

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when cleaning your deck.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[kfitz]

Thank you Eric. This advice is much appreciated.