How To Finish Your Ipe Deck Like A Pro.
- 1) Choose The Right Finish. Firstly, it’s important to know that there are two general types of finishes for wood: film-forming coatings and ...
- 2) Take It One Course At A Time.
- 3) Pre-Stain If Possible.
How do I care for my IPE deck?
Take care to wipe any thick areas of stain that have not absorbed. Stay off the decking surface for at least 24 hours before putting any furniture back on the flooring. If you notice any sticky or shiny areas you can wipe off the excess stain with a rag. Keep the IPE surface free from dirt and grime.
How do you stain IPE decking?
How to stain IPE decking: Make sure to choose a wood stain that is designed for dense wood such as IPE: IPE Decking Stains All of these stains are transparent but pigmented stains. Our most popular are: Ipe Oil, Messmers UV Plus for Hardwoods, Defy Hardwood Stain, Penofin Exotic Wood Stain, and Armstrong Clark in Mahogany Color.
Where can I submit questions or feedback on IPE deck finishing?
Please submit all other questions or feedback on ipe deck finishing at our dedicated IPEHELP site, where we are continuing the most interactive and ongoing ipe finishing discussion on the internet.
How old is IPE decking?
Ipe and it's 12 years old. We let it grey but now we want to bring it back. Hi, We just installed a deck in Chicago using premium ipe. The ipe has many beautiful variations of red and brown tones which I specifically picked out to accent the in-lays that we installed. My contractor stained it with Wisecoat semi-transparent hardwood deck sealer.
Do you need to finish Ipe?
Do I have to seal Ipe wood? No, but you really should. During the initial exposure of your Ipe decking or hardwood siding on site, weather, especially UV rays, take a toll on outdoor woods. Putting a coat of UV inhibitive sealer on exterior hardwoods is a great idea.
Can Ipe wood be varnished?
Polyurethane varnish is probably one of the most common finishes applied to projects made out of plywood, especially furniture projects made out of hardwood plywood. Polyurethane is easy to work with and gives an excellent finish, even with minimal skill.
Does Ipe decking need to be sealed?
Does Ipe need to be sealed? Ipe does not need any “sealer” in fact the wood is dense, that it doesn't really take sealer anyways. The products used on Ipe are not really sealers as much as UV protectants. It is the sunlight that turns Ipe grey, and using these products can help protect against that.
Can you use polyurethane on Ipe?
You can try to get around this lack of porosity by applying a film finish, such as polyurethane varnish, but you'll be wasting your time and creating more work for yourself in the near future. The finish won't adhere well and will flake off in no time, especially if the deck is in full sun.
What is polyurethane varnish?
Polyurethane varnishes are super-tough 'coatings' popularly used as a finishing layer for protecting interior and exterior wooden floors, stairs and other surfaces prone to pedestrian wear and tear – some products can also be used on chipboard, plywood, hardboard, and parquet surfaces.
What do you use sanding sealer for?
Sanding sealer is a clear liquid base finish that is applied to bare natural wood or to any uncoated wood product. Sanding sealer always must be sanded down smooth after it has dried. Sanding sealer helps improve the condition of subsequent coats of paint or clear finish by sealing the wood pores.
Is it OK to pressure wash Ipe?
Pressure Washing Using a pressure washer isn't recommended for regular cleaning of Ipe decking. Power washers use high pressure which can damage and roughen the surface of the wood. Use a shop vac to remove debris and dirt from between planks, a soft-bristle broom to sweep it off, or just a regular garden hose.
How do you keep Ipe looking new?
If you love the color of your new deck and want to preserve those hues, you'll need to use a sealer on your ipe every year or two. Consider Hardwood Decking's Ipe Oil Hardwood Deck Finish & UV Protector. This product protects and preserves the beauty of your ipe deck.
How long will Ipe decking last?
Ipe is more durable than other woods. Within ipe wood are natural oils that preserve it; combined with the wood's exceptional density, you can expect an ipe deck or fence to last up to 50 years without replacement.
Should I oil my Ipe deck?
If you want your IPE decking to remain naturally brown, you should apply a layer of IPE oil every year. Otherwise, you can just leave it as it is and ensure that you clean it regularly. The best part about not using IPE oil on a wood decking is that the silver patina is not permanent.
Can you put teak oil on Ipe?
To help prolong the rich-reddish brown natural tones inherent in the wood, the Ipe should be oiled with a hardwood oil that contains UV inhibitors – brands that are readily available are Penofin for Exotic Hardwoods (clear version) and Watco Teak Oil.
What oil should I use for Ipe?
Ipe Oil® and Ipe Oil® Plus™ are both oil-based hardwood semi-transparent stains exclusively formulated to dry properly on Ipe, Mahogany, Cumaru and also many other oily exotic lumber that trigger finish drying troubles.
What is an IPE deck?
Ipe is a stunning natural wood and a top choice for decking and siding. A premium Brazilian hardwood, ipe has a deep, rich and luxurious amber hue, and will last for decades with very little maintenance required. If left untreated, ipe will weather naturally and slowly turn a nice, silvery-grey color. However, if you want to keep your ipe deck’s ...
How long does it take to wipe oil off a deck?
With ipe, however, you’ll want to apply oil to a section of the deck (called a course) and then move on to the next course. After about 15 minutes, you’ll need to go back to the first course and wipe the excess oil off, much like you would with a piece of fine wood furniture.
Can Ipe decks be left untreated?
If left untreated, ipe will weather naturally and slowly turn a nice, silvery-grey color. However, if you want to keep your ipe deck’s original, lustrous look for years to come, here are a few tips on how to apply a finish like a pro:
PRO TIP: Acclimating is Essential!
Before you even get started, you’ll want to allow the wood to acclimate to its new environment. The process can take up to two weeks. This process will prevent cracking, warping, bubbling, and other defects during installation and for years to come.
Working with the Wood
As you begin working with the wood, inspect the surfaces and sand as necessary. During transportation, some boards may have been dinged or scuffed. This won’t cause any permanent damage so long as you sand out these small defects.
A Beautiful Deck is Born
Now you have a prime deck built from one of the most luxurious hardwoods on the market. But before you bust out the outdoor furniture and fire up the grill there’s one last step to set your deck up for success. Apply a finish. During construction, it’s easy for things to get messy.
How long does tropical decking sit around?
But it may not be. Your decking might sit around for months before it’s pulled for your order. During that time, more dirt and grime can accumulate.
Where do tropical decking boards come from?
Tropical decking boards endure quite the journey before they arrive in our lumber yard — and then on your job site. Ipe, in particular, comes from South America, where they’re sawn into boards and milled into decking boards.
Do decking boards need to be installed?
It means that even though decking boards come ready for installation, they still require additional work in order to achieve the status of being a finished product. While some of this work can occur at points during the installation process, some of it will need to wait until after installation.
How to prep IPE wood?
The IPE will need to be prepped first by removing and dirt, grime, mold, etc. Best to use a wood deck cleaner. Make sure to clean the IPE wood at least 2-3 days prior to applying the stain. Always wear protective clothing and gloves when applying a wood finish.
What is IPE wood?
IPE is an extremely beautiful wood when stained and will be the envy of your neighbors. The problem with exotic hardwood decking such as IPE is that it will require maintenance annually. It is best to choose a pigmented wood stain that will enhance the reddish brown tones of the IPE as if wet with water. This will filter the UV and prolong the ...
How to keep IPE stain from getting sticky?
If you notice any sticky or shiny areas you can wipe off the excess stain with a rag. Keep the IPE surface free from dirt and grime. Periodic sweeping and rinsing with water will keep the wood looking better longer. Best to reapply the IPE stain before the wood turns gray.
How long does it take to apply UV Plus to a wood deck?
Apply one coat of UV Plus for Hardwood Decks following label directions. Work with the grain. After 30 minutes, brush or roll out any excess product puddled or pooled on the surface of the deck.
How long does it take for Messmer's wood and deck brightener to dry?
Make sure the deck surface is clean, dry and in good condition. You may need to wait a few days for the wood to completely dry depending on weather conditions.
What is Messmer's wood and deck brightener?
Messmer’s Wood & Deck Brightener (Part B) – use after cleaning with Part A. Natural bristle brush or floor applicator pad and tray. Do not begin the process until you have read and understand all instructions. If you are in doubt, call us toll free at 1-800-731-3669, weekdays 8-5 Mountain time.
Is it cheaper to prefinish a deck?
Also, as decks are often low to the ground, with minimal underside air circulation, it is very cheap insurance to prefinish.
Can you put penetrating oil on wood?
When you apply penetrating oil to softer woods, you can lay it on heavily by brush and it will suck in. Ipe will laugh at you as it spits most of the oil back out. The residue that is left will stay tacky for weeks, and then become a choice breeding ground for mildew formation.
