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Porches & Decks

Question for Ken re new deck sealer

17 years ago

Hi there, I've noted a few discussions recently re a new deck sealer you are working on. I'm getting ready to reseal my ipe deck soon and just wondered if you have any updates re the product's availability etc... I'm eager to try it and do need to restain my deck within the next month or so.

If not available do you suggest Ready seal and, if so, which color for ipe? I've had good luch with 'wood defender' on my fences but found the color to be so opaque that it slightly obscured the grain on fence boards...don't want this to happen on the ipe. I can't get twp 100 here in Ca. so am at a loss for what to use on the deck this time.

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pressurepros
17 years ago
Wood Defender is good for fences, not good for decks and horizontals. It doesn't hold up. From what I hear, they are working on that.

These things are very slow to get launched with R&D, product tweaking etc. The one product that I am certain will be able to perform for 18-24 months will not be ready for retail until Spring '07. I have another manufacturer that will distribute product for me. They are down in Texas. It is similar to Ready Seal in resins and oil but, in my opinion, is superior.

The problem with ipe, like I have always said,is that the properties that make it great also make it a little more maintenance intensive. The wood is so dense with natural extractives, sugars, oils what have you, that it does not accept a penetrating oil. The molecule size of most oils cannot get "into" the wood. The best you end up with is a product that essentially washes away very quickly. Flood says they have come up with a solution in a water borne product but I have not tested it.

I am not a fan of anything you can't strip away cost effectively. So far anything that contains acrylics has been a maintenance nightmare.

I respect John's use of TWP and for him, it has worked. The problem is, the product was developed as a penerating oil. Layering on that product coat after coat takes away the breathability (is that even a word?) of the finish. In addition, that finish will eventually have to come off and I can't even begin to imagine what a nightmare that would turn into.

With everyone in the market, inclusing myself trying to keep up with the growing demand for products that will treat and maintain hardwoods, I'm afraid many products with big claims will hit the market. That is why I want to see how my own deck, which was treated with my new formulation, holds up to a northeast winter.

The best part about the new selaer (which still remains with out a name) will be able to be applied to very high moisture content wood.

Hope this long post clears up a few things for you.
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