The Details:
How to use an
Oil Finish Photos
Finishers, are they needed?
Ipe wood has its own natural decay
defenses, so sealing is not necessary. Ipe's natural density will
prevent water absorption, cupping, splintering and twisting
issues common with traditional decking materials. It will remain smooth
and splinter free, aging to a silver patina that will outlast most woods
with no chemical coating.
However, if you want original colors, use an
Finish .
Sealing is needed if you desire to keep the original colors of your
beautiful Brazilian Hardwood deck. Use a product with a strong UV inhibitor. Below
is a list of products that have been used by local builders. I'm told
these finishes last for 1-2 years. How often you need to reapply will
vary depending on what area of the country you live in and your weather
exposure.
Be sure not to overcoat. Excessive application of any of these
Finishers may create a sticky surface and will not improve their
performance. In fact, over coating will detract from the appearance of
your deck and you will start seeing a “puddle” look. For best results
the product directions state to apply a thin coat
and remove excess with a clean rag. We have heard that using small push
broom as a brush to coat speeds up application. However we do not know
the long term effectiveness of this method. To recoat clean
the deck and use the same process to coat the Finish as during the
original sealing.
Do not stop in the middle. When sealing your deck, be
sure to start at one or two boards and coat the entire length.
If you stop in the middle of your deck, be sure to only stop after
treating an entire section. If you stop in the middle of a board
and start again the next day, it will be obvious when you finish.
UV Finish Choices that include UV protection like
Penofin are very
effective.
Bringing back your original colors or How to Rejuvenate your Ipe
deck
If you have allowed Ipe to age to its silver color and now have
changed your mind and would like the russet brown color back again, you
can use a pressure washer on the surface. With some care and a little
luck you get the original color back. Test in an inconspicuous place
first!
Streaking. Be careful as pressure washing can leave a streaking pattern if water
pressure or application is uneven. Again, always test an inconspicuous
place. Try to maintain an even travel across the wood surface or you'll
leave "lap" marks on the deck as the water penetrates to different
levels into the wood surface. Try a small area first and gain some
experience.
Sanding? It is possible to sand the top layer to expose the beautiful colors
below. The problem is this doesn't help too much on the small edges
between boards.
Ipe Deck Cleaning:
How to Clean your Deck
Photos
Note: It is the responsibility
of you the owner or installer to adequately test pressure washing,
cleaning or finishing for product suitability and application method for
your particular installation. The above are techniques that have worked
for others in the past and we want to share information that we hear for
the benefit of others. However, you need to test and insure that any of
these ideas will work in your specific application.
top of page |
