I built an Ipe deck two years ago and finished it with Penofin’s exotic oil finish. The horizontal surfaces turned almost black and the vertical surfaces darkened as well, though to a lesser extent. I just power washed and the deck looks almost new. I’m debating about whether to use the Penofin again as the lumber salesman who first recommended it said he had a similar problem on a mahogany deck. A white oak tree partially overhangs the deck and the pines that border the yard give off plenty of pollen. The deck does get plenty of sun. Has anyone had this problem with Penofin or know of alternatives? I’ve heard Messmers and Sikkens recommended. Thanks for your input.
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You finish it with Penofin and it still looks new two years later, and this is a problem? I wish I had more problems like that.
It only looks new after several hours of power washing the black off. I need to reseal it now and am considering alternatives.
I am not sure about penofin but Thompsons is mostly Parrafin in a solvent(JUNK)
Penofin souns too much like parrafin for my comfort.
Check the ingredients.
One of the things they told us on the first day of school (SUNY ESF Wood Products Engineering) is If any one ever comes up with a clear wood finish that that will protect wood in an exterior application, they will be an overnight billionaire.
Translation: If an exterior finish lets the wood show thru it is NOT protecting it from the harmful effects of the environment.
The three basic rules for exterior finish are:
1) Pigment
B) pigment
III) More Pigment!!!
Anything less is snake oil.Mr T
Happiness is a cold wet nose
Life is is never to busy to stop and pet the Doggies!!
Tim,
No clear deck finish will last more than a year of two. I could start speculating on what might work, but........ CR has been having on going studies for years, and consistently reached the same conclusion.
Jon
Anyone know anything about Sutherland welles polimerized tung oil? I had someone recommend it once I put down my Ipe porch floor. Re-apply once a year but beyond that it is supposed to be the best at penetrating density of Ipe.
Given the durability of catalyzed urethane clear coats, I wonder how they would hold up. They do not degrade when exposed to UV. I've got a bunch of Ipe scraps in the shop, as well as some cat urethane, and think I might do a little experimenting and testing. I'll get back to ya' all in a few years.
Jon
Edited 3/31/2004 10:16 am ET by WorkshopJon