Can I use a percarbonate cleaner as my only ipe deck maintenance?

17 years ago

There have been so many posts regarding the pros and cons of the various stains/finishes that I'm thinking about skipping that step all together. I like the color of my deck after a fresh percarbonate wash (I am currently using Wolman's granular product). The color seems to last a few months and then starts to grey slightly. Would it harm my deck (or glued plugs) if I just washed it with percarb every few months?? I'd also like to skip the oxalic acid pH rebalancing since I don't want to lighten the wood too much and I wouldn't be trying to get a finish to take hold anyhow.

Would I experience increased checking and/or cupping? Any other deleterious effects? Ipe just seems so indestructible and washing it alone would be so simple. Any thoughts?

I really appreciate all the help from this forum.

Thanks, RB (DIY'er in training)

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Comments (10)

delaloi
17 years ago
I look forward to seeing the responses to this. My own guess is that regular cleaning will keep the deck from looking too grungy, but will not change the fact that the wood will gray from UV.
rbfactor
Original Author
17 years ago
My deck had started to turn grey and the percarbonate wash quickly and easily returned the original new ipe color. Basically, I would be using the wash to remove any greyness from the wood as well as any accumulated dirt and grunge. I find that it takes a few months for the deck to start turning noticeably grey and I would be willing to wash it at that interval to keep it new looking. Another added bonus is that I would no longer have to worry about a finish scratching, mildewing, or otherwise failing. My only concern would be any potentially deleterious effects on the Ipe or glued plugs from removal of natural oils etc.

Any of the experts around to chime in??

RB
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pressurepros
17 years ago
You will be fine performing the maintenance schedule of which you spoke. You won't have to pH balance the deck either. Keep standing leaves off the surface, and if you can help it, don't let snow melt and refreeze on it either.
joyce54
17 years ago
What I do to my decks as per the suggestions of Advantage Trim and Lumber I do a pressure wash with messmers part a cleaner then once the deck is dry I finish it with messmers uv plus (from advantage trim)and if i had a dime for every time one of my family or friends told me that my deck looks great i would have three more decks. :-)
john_hyatt
17 years ago
I am intersted on the effect of Kens stuff on the plugs used on the regular time thing like you guys are planing. Even the best glued joint has its problems outside with a good finish on it I am wondering how that bubblie stuff does down the road on the plug joints. If ya want let me know in a few moons. John
pressurepros
17 years ago
as long as a quality exterior wood glue was used there should be no problem as there are no solvents in RAD.
rbfactor
Original Author
17 years ago
I used Titebond III which is the glue that is most recommended on this forum. I would sure hate to see plugs start popping out of their holes...
rbfactor
Original Author
17 years ago
What's the worry about standing leaves on an unfinished deck? I'm intrigued...
pressurepros
17 years ago
They trap moisture and leave mineral deposit stains that are hard to get off.
john_hyatt
17 years ago
Ya got to figure,,say the plug joints are all real good,TB111 is some good a@s glue no doubt I use it my very own self.But here you are, all glued joints need protection inside and out inside its temp control and no sunlite outside its the finish that has water/mildew/uv protection with the given all those joints are tight and holding. A person uses a high power bubble get in there and get that stuff out leach out the top leval,killer cleaner like the Major Ken Bubba makes, on a regular, I am just wondering how many times it will take for the cleaner to get into the joint/joints and have a little party with the glue. Just wondering Guys! if you try it I am very intersted like in a year or so if the Chem got in there and weakened a few of the plugs in a bad way or if nothing happened and youall got away with no finish at all. J

Can I use a percarbonate cleaner as my only ipe deck maintenance?

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delaloi

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Can I use a percarbonate cleaner as my only ipe deck maintenance?

Comments (10)

delaloi

rbfactorOriginal Author

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