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Dear Workshop communities,
We are in the process of building verandah, our builder got a sawn cypress post to use as verandah posts from Bunnings. Didn't expect the surface is rough as the fence post, which the photo online is misleading.
However, just want to know what do we do to smoothen the post's surface as it is rough and sprinter came out, I am scare it will post a dangerous to small children. Do we sand it first then paint with UV timber oil? Which one is recommend for use. Thank you.
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Jill2008. It's great to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about timber posts.
I'm sorry to hear that the post has come with a rough finish. Sanding would be the best way to smooth the surface, and I suggest starting with 80-grit sandpaper to remove the rough fibres and splinters, then move up to 120-grit for a smoother, even finish. Once you’ve finished sanding, wipe away any dust and apply a couple of coats of Cabot’s Natural Decking Oil. It will help seal and protect the timber from UV exposure while enhancing its natural colour.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Very appreciate your response.
We are totally new to this, never do DIY before.
The build is still in progress, do we wait for it to finish and let the wood to dry/cure before doing the sanding and painting part?
If we want to apply colour paint (again, any recommend paint suitable for this post?), do we apply the decking oil prior to painting over?
Thank you again. 
You can sand the posts now if you wish and then move on to sealing or painting later whenever it suits you @Jill2008. There’s no need to let the timber dry or cure before doing either step. For paint, any good-quality exterior paint such as Dulux Weathershield would be ideal. If you plan on painting, don’t use decking oil first, as the oil would prevent the paint from properly adhering to the timber. Just paint directly over the prepared surface once it’s sanded smooth.
Mitchell
Thank you for the information.
Apology, more questions, for sanding pad, rather than using hand which one is recommend with various sand paper attachment. Are the machine available with battery or rechargable battery?
Thanks again.
