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How to prepare a bamboo benchtop

Bunnings team member using a circular saw to cut a piece of timber

Overview

Preparing a bamboo benchtop for installation is a fairly simple job. We'll show you how to smooth the surface down with sandpaper. You'll also see how to protect the bamboo from wear by sealing it with a clear finish.

Steps

1Sand the bamboo benchtop

Before you start sanding, it's a good idea to leave the benchtop in the kitchen for 24 hours to acclimatise to the room. Then give it a light sand to remove any pencil marks, rough edges or scratches. Start with a coarse grit paper before smoothing the surface further with a finer grit. Once you are done, wipe the benchtop down with a rag.
A benchtop being sanded by a Bunnings team member

2Seal the benchtop with a clear finish

Stir the clear finish thoroughly and paint it on to the benchtop, covering the top as well as the edges. Check the instructions on the tin for drying times and how many coats to use. If you are using an oil based finish, make sure you work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask. 
A benchtop being varnished
Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.