Dark Red Meranti Bukit (Shorea platyclados) has been Blue Star’s proven performer for more than 30 years as decking, porch flooring and exterior trim. Dark Red Meranti Nemesu (Shorea pauciflora), is a close cousin of M. Bukit. The two possess virtually the same properties, and are nearly indistinguishable. We utilize Nemesu for the same purposes as M. Bukit. Red Seraya (Shorea curtisii) is often referred to simply as Seraya. Its straight grain and fine texture make it our preferred species for wide boards and profiled mouldings. (Also called Philippine Mahogany, Meranti bears no relation to what is considered to be “true” mahogany in the Swietenia and Khaya genera.)
It also makes great decking. Seraya dries evenly, machines beautifully, remains stable in exterior applications, and is easy to work with. The varied grain and rich color of Dark Red Meranti give Blue Star products a luxurious, natural look. These species mill to a superior finish, absorb and hold paint and other finishes deeply and evenly. They age to a smooth surface, with minimal checking (compared to other hardwoods used in exterior applications). Blue Star Meranti products exceed all recognized industry standards for strength, durability, pest and rot resistance for use in interior and exterior building applications
Ring’s End Finishing Guide: Blue Star Dark Red Meranti
Steps:
1. Clean the deck/deck boards with a deck brush (medium bristle) using a mixture of water and cleaning solution (EZ Deck Wash or 30 Second Cleaner)
2. Once the deck is dry, sand using 60 or 80 grit sandpaper
a. Extra credit: wipe the deck boards with acetone before staining
3. Apply a translucent stain (either Preserva Premium Timber Oil or Benjamin Moore Translucent Oil Finish)
a. Load up your stain brush enough to do an entire board with one “dip” of the brush. This will help avoid lap marks
b. Do not let stain pool on the surface; wipe off excess using a t-shirt rag
c. You may apply a second coat “wet-on-wet” while the first coat is still wet to achieve a slightly darker appearance. It is very important to wipe off any excess stain using a t-shirt rag
2. IF sanding is necessary:
a. Wait until the deck is completely dry before sanding.
b. *For light sanding, start and finish with an 80-grit sandpaper.
c. *Where heavier sanding is required, begin with a 60-grit and finish with an 80-grit sandpaper.
d. Vacuum or sweep the surface clean.
e. **Tack with acetone to remove the finer sawdust particles (do NOT tack with water as this will open the pores of the wood).
f. Allow the surface to dry prior to applying your stain or finish products.
*Note: follow all required safety procedures to prevent the inhalation and exposure to wood dust. Information is available at www.osha.gov/wood-dust
**Note: follow all required safety procedures listed on the manufacturer’s label to prevent the inhalation and exposure to acetone.
