WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Monocel Exterior Wood Varnish (Clear or Stain)   –   BondCrete   –   Pallet wood   –   Mineral Turpentine   –   Brush or Roller   –   Wood Filler   –   Saw   –   240 Grit Sandpaper (Orbital sander if possible)

STEP 1.

Pull apart pallet wood, and cut to size. You can choose any height or length, but we chose a height of 40cm. (Keep in mind the legs will need alternating lengths of 40cm and 30cm to accommodate the width of the interlocking horizontal boards)

STEP 2.

Glue the boards together with BondCrete in an overlapping, alternate pattern. BondCrete is so strong, you will not need any screws, nails or other fixings.

STEP 3.

Clamp together tightly for 24 hours.

sTEP 4.

You may need to fill any large gaps with timber filler. This will depend on how straight your pallet boards were.

Sand smooth. This step took the longest, as our pallet boards were very warped and uneven. This is a very important step, as it will determine how smooth of a finish the varnish will have.

STEP 5.

Apply your first coat of Monocel Exterior Varnish (you may use Monocel Interior Varnish if your bench is going inside). We recommend thinning the first coat down with approximately 10% Mineral Turpentine. This helps the varnish really penetrate the wood to give a smooth and even first coat.

STEP 6.

Allow the first coat a couple hours to dry before lightly sanding with 240 grit paper until smooth.

STEP 7.

Apply 3 further full coats, with sanding and 6 hours drying in between (drying may take longer in colder conditions). You may like to dilute these again with mineral turpentine, as it can aid in workability in hotter conditions.

NOTE: If you reach your desired colour depth after only 1 or 2 coats, you can then apply the final coats with Monocel Clear Varnish to preserve it.

STEP 8.

Allow the final coat 24-48 hours to dry before exposing to weather.