Varnishing a Timber Tray

totally agree, i use cabotts exterior varnish (rose mahogany), on the balau decking in my 75 series cruiser. recoat once a year.

also add, do sand timber with 80-100 grit when new, 120 grit when recoats are needed. dont putty screws, because it is a massisve pain in the butt when you need to ever replace the boards. dont worry about scrathes when they happen otherwise you will never put anything in your tray.

Treat the underside, now that would be a fun job (Not!!)

Hi John,

It's not that hard, a BIT messy but not difficult.

I put the decking oil into the kero washdown gun, connect up the compressor and "let 'er go".

OK I drop a elcheapo blue tarp down between the cab and the cab rail and a bit of black plastic over the spare wheel (On my old Landy, it's hung under the tray) and then I "let 'er go".

The Deck oil does not appear to damage the tray's steel framework

Generally need a shower and a change of clothing post spraying though.

I'm fortunate that the back of my block is sand so any spillage is absorbed. The Deck oil is reasonably environmentally friendly, much better than the first few years when I used a mix of used engine oil and Min Turps.

Cheers

Disco.