Finishing a marri table top

[grizzly_b]

Hi,

I need some advise as to how to proceed to the next step of finishing this marri (red gum) table top. At this stage, the table will be placed outside, under a pergola, thus will not be exposed to direct sunlight.

Now, a bit of history

Got hold of a 1100x2500x50mm slab of marri. Its basically a rough sawn dried slab.
Got a belt sander with 40pt grid and stripped off all the grey and rough bits. I filled out the holes and cracks with a 2 part epoxy.

Then, I have moved my way up the grit using an random orbital and I have just finished off sanding the table down to a 480 grit paper.

My ultimate question is what type of finishing products do you recommend on it?. I would like to have a hi-gloss clear finish. but since its outdoor, I might need a finish that is resiliance to UV as well. (or a finish that will not discolour easily).
I have come across heaps of products that will give me a hi-gloss finish but most of these are for interior use and will is not recommended for outdoors (cause of UV).

I've been told to use a finish like Cabots exterior clear (with approx 8 coats, sanding in between) or something similar...however I am not convinced its the right one to use. Any help appreciated.

As a newbie, I am weighing up whether I should take it to a professional finisher to get it done.....but I am keen as hell to give it a go myself, thus seeking advice before proceeding to start the finishing process.....

cheers
grizz

[Shane Watson]

Being a professional finisher I can say with experience your best bet regardless if its in direct sunlight or not, if its going to be an exterior piece, use an exterior oil. I usually just use a decking oil of some description. All laqcuers, poly-u's etcs will eventually deteriorate badly and look really really bad...


I've been using decking oil on my timber BBQ setting (table & 6 chairs) for the past 5yrs the thing still looks like it came out of the factory and it is in driect sunlight & whether (inc. rain) all day...

[barnsey]

Hi Grizz,

I have and do use the Cabots marine grade gloss and it is a really nice product to work with. Have to agree with Shane to some extent though - oiling will generally be easier to maintain a good finish. On the other hand that doesn't work on the boat and if that is the finish you want you have to be prepared to make the effort to keep the maintenance up to the piece.

You might look at a two part finish but they are pricey and generally a lot more difficult to use or you could look at the upmarket Marine Gloss finishes which will deteriorate too but are formulated to last longer against the weather.

Good luck with your decision

Jamie