How to paint Merbau 1800mm gate?

[johnno2]

i purchased a merbau reversable 1800 mm gate  code is 8994851000345 and want to paint it with "colourbond" heritage red

it says it is pre oiled   do i need to any special preparation and do i use an oil based paint

[EricL]

Hello @johnno2 

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

There are two methods you can apply to your gate in order to paint it. First, is to naturally season the gate, naturally seasoning means that you allow the oil and tannins of the timber to leach out anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks or longer depending on the weather. Eventually all the oil and tannins will come out, and the surface of the gate will start to fade and assume its silver or grey finish. 

The second method is to use Cabot's 4L New Timber Prep and Cabot's 1L Deck Clean - 1L. This will cut down the waiting time and remove the oil and tannins on the surface of the Merbau panel. The deck clean will finish off and prepare the surface for painting. My best advice is to use a tarp underneath the Merbau panel and to apply it over a concrete surface. Please do not let the product drain into your lawn as it will damage it. Make sure to expose the panel to full sun to make sure that it is totally dry before you begin painting it. 

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric