Should you seal plastic wood composite decking?
Note that the sealing process coincides with the process of maintenance. So, you should seal your composite decking when you are maintaining it. Clean the top of your plastic wood composite thoroughly until you have taken all dirt away. If you must, you can scrub oil or grease stain from the top of your plastic wood decking.
What is the best sealer for composite deck?
Some of the best sealers for composite decking contain "zinc oxide" which naturally fights against mold and mildew. See Defy Composite Deck Water Proof Sealer. Sealing a composite deck will also help restore color and aid in the cleaning process the next time the composite wood decking needs maintenance.
How do you stain and seal composite decking?
Use either a quality pad applicator, brush, roller or sprayer to apply the stain and sealer evenly over the whole composite surface. Again, follow the instructions on the product label for best results. Note: A composite deck stain with mildewcides, zinc particles or inhibitors are a preventive plus.
How often should I seal my composite decking?
Each gallon will cover 100-250 square feet and should be applied every 1 to 2 years, depending on how harsh the weather conditions in your area are. These are all excellent sealers to bring your old composite deck to life and protect it from damage.
Do composite deck boards need sealing?
No, new composite decks do not require sealing. Composite decking is made from a blend of recycled plastics and wood fiber, which gives it the appearance of wood but makes it more durable. The materials used are designed to protect against mold and mildew, as well as stand up to the weather.
Can you put a sealer on a Trex deck?
Defy Composite Deck Sealer can be used on all composite wood brands such as: TREX, Fiberon, Azek, TimberTech, etc. It should not be used on solid plastic decking.
How do you preserve a composite deck?
Maintain Composite Decking If you see any signs of mould or mildew returning, simply wash the surface of the deck with a composite decking cleaner and a scrub brush, hose it off, and then let it dry. Once done, just apply a single coat of clear sealer as a maintenance coat. It is that simple.
Should you seal the ends of composite decking?
Sealing the ends with lumber wax will help prevent moisture absorption. Kim Katwijk The cut ends of composite decking will absorb moisture and can swell, as shown here. Sealing the end cuts with lumber wax will help prevent swelling.
What do you use to seal composite decking?
Keep your weathered composite deck, or fence looking great for longer by using DEFY. EASY TO MAINTAIN – When it's time to do a maintenance coat, there's no need to strip the surface. Make sure the surface is clean, then apply a single maintenance coat of DEFY Composite Waterproofing Sealer.
What maintenance is required for composite decking?
Clean your composite deck as often as needed, at least twice each year. If you decide to use a pressure washer, use extreme caution and use at pressures less than 2,500 psi at 12” above the deck surface. 2. Improve drainage or grade soil to eliminate standing water under decks.
Can you put decking oil on composite decking?
PENOFIN's Knotwood Oil Finish works wonders on virtually all types of composite decking. It gives the consumer a choice of three natural wood deck finish tones. Simple to use.
Do you have to maintain a composite deck?
NeoTimber recommend a routine clean of your decking every 3-6 months to clear away dirt, mud and soil that can accumulate and sit on your boards over the course of time. For a general clean – we recommend applying warm soapy water to the surface of the boards and cleaning with a soft bristled brush.
Why is my composite deck turning white?
After a while, foot traffic on the deck wears off some of the plastic coating that surrounds and protects the wood particles in the composite material, exposing them to the environment. This is the cause of "white-spotting" as the sun fades the particles.
How do you hide the ends of Trex decking?
Two widely practiced methods to hide those unfinished composite deck ends are 1) picture framing, and 2) trim boards.
Why seal decking?
Homeowners seal their decking to prevent moisture or excess water from entering the decking board. When you install a decking outdoor in your garden, it becomes susceptible to rain, snow, and moisture from the atmosphere. Rain or moisture will enter into the decking boards and can destroy them.
What is the difference between composite decking and wood decking?
The difference between composite decking and wood decking is that one is a synthetic material while the other is not. Composite decking contains timber and recycled plastic. These two materials are mixed in a factory with a bonding agent. After producing the composite boards, they will cut them into shape to use to build your decking.
What happens when you rain on decking?
Rain or moisture will enter into the decking boards and can destroy them. This implies that when rain falls or excess moisture in the atmosphere, your decking will take in the moisture. The disadvantage of that is that your decking will swell. And when decking swells, it will expand and rot.
Can you use plastic decking outdoors?
After producing the composite boards, they will cut them into shape to use to build your decking. The advantage of plastic wood decking is that it will last longer than timber decking. When you install your plastic wood decking outdoors, it will last longer.
Can you use satin stain on composite decking?
So, if you want to seal your composite decking, you will have to purchase a good satin stain in the market. Note that we will not recommend the kind of sealer that you should buy. But if you know the durable one, and it will not fade quickly, you can use it.
Can you seal composite decking with satin stain?
Now that we have established that most homeowners seal their composite decking because they want to, we can discuss the kind of sealer to use. Sealing composite decking is the same as staining it with a good stain. So, if you want to seal your composite decking, you will have to purchase a good satin stain in the market.
Do you need to seal plastic decking?
The plastic-coated surface of composite decking reduces the amount of water and other liquid that it takes it. And since composite boards will not absorb moisture like wood, there is no need to seal them. But some homeowners decode to seal their plastic wood composite because they want to.
Composite Sealer Reviews in 2022
Here at DeckStainHelp.com, we take pride in the fact that we have become the Internet’s number one resource for true, honest deck stain reviews. Composite decks contain a mix of plastic and wood and are prone to mold and mildew growth just like wood decks, so you should choose a high-quality composite sealer to protect your finished project.
Update for 2022 Staining Composite Decks
We recently prepped and stained a very old and dirty Trex deck in Spring of 2021. We applied the penetrating TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series to the Trex, and it turned out outstanding! Looks brand new and the TWP soaked deep into the composite decking with no issues.
How do I paint composite decking?
Literally. Grab a brush, some paint, and the other necessary tools and get started bringing your deck back to its original beauty. Step 1: Remove or cover plants.
What is the best stain for composite decking?
Adding deck stain for composite decking or a topcoat of paint can help restore the color and beauty while extending your deck’s already long lifespan. Here’s what you’ll need: Pressure washer (cleaning) Soft bristle brush (cleaning) Vinegar and baking soda (mold/mildew cleaning) Sandpaper (240-grit)
How often should I rewash a composite deck?
To get the most longevity from your freshly stained deck, rewash your composite deck seasonally or every couple of seasons and reapply a maintenance coat of stain when necessary.
How do I remove mildew from a composite deck?
The best method for composite deck stain removal is to use the same method you would to remove mildew and mold from your deck. Use warm water and mild soap to start . For tougher situations, applying a vinegar-water mix and sprinkling baking soda over the affected area should lift those stains.
What is the best product to remove paint from a composite deck?
If you were painting your house and you accidently got some paint splatter on your deck, no worries! To remove paint from your composite deck, your best option is a product called Krud Kutter. This versatile product will help you remove any paint drip or splatter without damaging the surface.
How do I clean a deck before painting?
For basic debris and dirt cleaning, use a soapy water mixture and a low pressure power washer or soft bristle brush.
How do I paint a deck?
Step 1: Remove or cover plants. If you’ve got a jungle on your deck, you’ll need to cover any and all foliage with canvas or plastic drop cloths or remove them from the deck altogether. Step 2: Clean your deck. With a few household chemicals, you can easily clean your deck as you prep to paint.
How long does it take for a deck to soak up sealant?
If you’ve just put in a new deck, you’re no doubt itching to finish the job by sealing it. But preservatives in the wood often require about 30 days’ dwell time before the deck can soak up the sealant. After a 30-day period, pour some water on your deck. If it beads up, the wood is still too wet to seal, but if the water is absorbed, ...
What is the best way to protect a deck from moisture?
Photo: istockphoto.com. Sealant, stain, and paint can all be applied to a deck for different degrees of protection. Sealants are primarily used to protect against moisture damage. They contain waterproof or water repellant properties and have a thicker viscosity than stains.
How long does it take to stain a deck?
In lieu of that, you can apply a simple stain to the deck and, after 48 hours, apply sealant for a similar level of protection. Advertisement. Photo: istockphoto.com.
What temperature should sealant be in the morning?
Aim for a pleasant, not-too-windy day between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Get to work in the morning, as the hot sun of a summer afternoon can cause sealant to evaporate quickly, preventing adequate absorption. Photo: istockphoto.com.
How long does it take for wood to dry before sealing?
Allow to dry for 24 hours, then sand the surface with between a 60 to 150 grit sandpaper or sanding disk. Use a powered sanding tool to remove the top layer of wood, which could act as a barrier to the sealant.
Can you seal wood if it beads up?
If it beads up, the wood is still too wet to seal, but if the water is absorbed, it’s ready to seal. Be sure to apply sealant as soon as the wood is ready; leaving the deck exposed any longer increases the likelihood of both ultraviolet (UV) and moisture damage.
Do sealants have UV protection?
Unlike stains, sealants lack pigmentation and generally provide less UV protection than stains. Stains always include pigmentation, which adds color to the deck and helps protect against UV damage. Even the best deck stains generally offer only moderate moisture protection.
