IPE Decking – what is the best way to create a long lasting finish and fix areas where finish has lifted
We built a deck last summer starting in June and finished it with IPE decking and mahogany trim throughout. It is quite stunning. We prepped all the wood with a 6 sided finish in the field before installing. then put a second coat on after installing and finally finished with a third coat after all was done in Sept. We used Penofin Exterior Hardwood Formula penetrating oil finish. It looked great until winter.
http://www.penofin.com/products_exotichardwood.shtml
Part of the deck was shoveled throughout the winter and part was not. The homeowners have a dog with a dog door that goes onto the deck and he comes and goes all day long.
I just took these pictures yesterday. The Penofin seal has come off in splotches throughout the decking on the horizontal surface. It is not uniform but is all over the deck on the horizontal surfaces. None of the vertical surfaces have any issues.
I always tell a customer that natural hardwood decks will require regular maintenance and if you want to maintain the warm finish you will need to refinish each year. But this went through one winter and has not been exposed to the sun too much because of the snow on top.
I would appreciate comments on anyone’s idea what is going on here and if there is: 1) a reason this happened that could have been avoided, 2) a solution for a longer lasting finish and 3) the best way to clean up the finish now
Thanks in advance,
Doug Storey
Replies
Have you talked to penofin yet?
They may have suggestions on hwat to do.
The application data says that it may require annual reapplication, and it is just an oil finish. So, I would expect it to need refinishing after any prolonged exposure to moisture.
I don't care for Penofin since it requires recoating in 3 to 6 months. If its put on new lumber without washing the mill glaze off, it won't penetrate well. You have to remove all the excess when applying. Follow the manufacturers instructions for repair.
http://www.penofin.com/tips-ext.shtml
When i sell Ipe decks I always try to convince my customers that a natural sun bleached finish is best unless they are willing t0 commit to a lifetime of cleaning, sanding and refinishing. if they insist on a finish I move on to Trex because I know they'll never be happy with the deck or with me. I have one customer who wants his deck pressure cleaned every spring. I do it under duress but I have to admit that after 4 years of annual cleaning the wood isn't fuzzy and looks like new after it's been cleaned.