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When stained, IPE is a gorgeous wood that will envy your neighbors. However, exotic hardwood decking, such as IPE, requires annual maintenance. 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 graying. Stains designed to penetrate IPE will work better and be easier to clean and reapply when needed.
How to stain IPE decking:
- Make sure to choose a wood stain designed for dense wood, such as IPE: IPE Decking Stains. All of these stains are transparent but pigmented. Messmers UV Plus for Hardwoods, Defy Extreme Stain, and Armstrong Clark Hardwood Colors are our most popular.
- The IPE must first be prepped by removing any dirt, grime, mold, etc. Best to use a wood deck cleaner. Make sure to clean the IPE wood at least 2-3 days before applying the stain.
- Always wear protective clothing and gloves when applying a wood finish. Take precautions to tarp or cover all surrounding plants, homes, and concrete areas.
- On the day of staining, make sure the wood is completely dry, and that rain is not forecast. Remove all furniture and sweep off any dirt or grime.
- We suggest applying the IPE stain with a stain pad applicator. This will evenly apply the finish to the deck. Always start with the railings before moving on to the flooring. Make sure to apply with the grain of the wood and take care not to “puddle” the stain. Do not overapply! Excessive application will make the stain drying tacky and fail faster than expected.
- When finished, check for missed spots and drips. Wipe any thick areas of stain that have not been absorbed.
- Stay off the decking surface for at least 24 hours before putting any furniture back on the flooring. You can wipe off the excess stain with a rag if you notice any sticky or shiny areas.
Keep the IPE surface free from dirt and grime. Periodic sweeping and rinsing with water will keep the wood looking better for longer. It is best to reapply the IPE stain before the wood turns gray. Depending on the sun’s exposure, you must reapply every 9-18 months.
If you have any IPE staining questions, please ask them below.
I am currently re constructing a two story treehouse with ipe. This creates the challenge of not only surface decking visible but sub structure and bottom side of decking visible. What is the downside to cleaning and staining ipe prior to installation? Using Messmers for both cleaning and stain. Material will have been acclimated for couple .months prior to install. Also what is best method for pre dilling and counter sinking with such a hard wood? Thanks
You only need to prep and stain the exposed wood. There is no advantage to staining all sides. Do this after install and weathering.
Sorry but we have no experience with drilling/sinking holes.
I love the beautiful silvery grey look of ipe for my back porch, but what I don’t want is for it to turn dark brown when wet. It just wouldn’t work with the house. Is there a way to keep it light silver even when wet?
Sorry but no.
I have a hardwood deck for a client. They just bought the house and have no clue what stain was used previously. Old stain is coming off everywhere. A couple spots looks little grey. The deck is surrounded by shrubs and flowers. What’s the best process to restore this? I’ve done plenty of pine Home Depot wood decks, but never a hardwood.
Prep with this kit:
https://www.opwdecks.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.htm
Stain with Armstrong Clark in Amber or Mahogany:
https://www.opwdecks.com/ipe-stain-1-gallon.htm
The homeowner wants to get away from the red, so would the amber be more of a natural?
Amber highlights the IPE natural color as if wet with water. There can be “red” in the IPE wood itself. If you want more brown, look at the Black Walnut.
Just sealed my ipe deck with Armstrong Clark (after applying restore deck cleaner and brightened). Do I need additional sealer/sealant? Part of the ipe deck gets significant sun exposure in Northern California.
No, and it is not possible to add a sealer over a deck stain.
Hello, these misers UV plus and I’m finding that scuffs and scratches are showing up now. Did I do something wrong?
Most likley over applied. Post pics if you want tips to remove and start over.
Thanks, meant to say “used Messmers…”. That’s what I was thinking, “over applied”. Here’s a couple pics and would love tips.
It does not look over-applied. I think your heavy wood furniture is scrapping or denting the wood, not the coating. I cannot think of any coating being immune to this.
Here’s a couple.
Our IPE decks have been neglected for a few years. Can we use your AC stain over pentofin?
After you prep with this kit you can:
https://www.opwdecks.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.htm
Our IPE has turned completely grey. Is there a way to get the reddish brown color back and then seal it to lock in the color? TIA
Use this for prep:
https://www.opwdecks.com/rad-300.htm
And the Armstrong Clark Stain in Amber color after:
https://www.opwdecks.com/ipe-stain-1-gallon.htm
I stain many ipe decks in florida. We have a real issue with oil base products getting moldy and darker. I’ve jumped from product to product. What do you suggest.
Use this stain. Much better for IPE and will not darken:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-on-exotic-hardwoods-ipe
Had a Ipe deck installed about 5 weeks ago (lumber sat in garage for 2 months before that), can I apply Defy Extreme Wood Stain now, or should I wait for the wood to cure longer? How should I clean this nearly new Ipe before staining (it looks pretty darn clean)? Next, has the “Defy Extreme Wood Stain for Hardwoods” been relabeled? I only see the Defy Extreme Wood Stain packaging now. Thank you.
Wait until Spring and then Clean and Brighten for prep. The Defy Hardwood Stain is no longer. The Defy Extreme Stain is the exact same stain (as the Hardwood version) and colors.
Why is my ipe deck is tacky after using Messmer’s UV Plus?
Typically due to over-application or improper prep.
We have an ipe deck that the previous owner put a varnish coat on. Nothing has been done to it for 10 years. We started sanding it with 60 grit sandpaper and it currently looks like this. Keep sanding? Change to 40 grit to get the old black varnish off? Where should we go from here?
Yes, sand it all off. Coarser grit if needed.
Restraining- Is okay to apply the stain to the areas that have turned slightly grey? We had our deck done about 9 months ago.
You always have to prep when recoating. We would strip and brighten in your case due to the unevenness.
https://www.opwdecks.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper.htm
Can I use outdoor bleach to strip the stain off my ipe deck. I accidentally splashed some on my deck whilst cleaning siding and noticed it cleaned and stripped the stain right off. Will this damage wood? Or Do stain strippers normally contain bleach anyway? Thanks
Bleach does not strip and is terrible for prepping wood. Best to properly strip and brighten for prep:
https://www.opwdecks.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper.htm
Bleach is never in a deck stain stripper.
What are your thoughts about using a solid stain on IPE? My IPE deck is around 11 years old and I have had it re-stained every other year now. The problem is a quarter of my deck is uncovered so the weathering on the portion is very intense. I’m just looking for an option to keep everything more consistent looking for longer. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
Solid stains will peel on IPE.
Good to know. Thanks for the quick response!
What brand and stain would you recommend in this situation for Jaime? Thanks
Armstrong Clark in one of their 3 hardwood colors:
https://www.opwdecks.com/ipe-stain-1-gallon.htm
Last year I used Ipe Oil, I didn’t like how quickly it faded and want to try Armstrong on my IPE deck this year. Should I strip and brighten or just clean and brighten before applying Armstrong this year? I read in one of your comments below that future Armstrong applications would not require stripping (just cleaning and brightening) but I wanted to confirm what I should do this year. As a side note: I have no idea what brand the previous owners used, but before applying the IPE oil last year I only cleaned and brightened. Thanks for any advice.
Strip and brighten for the prep since you are switching stain brands.
My IPE deck is about 15 years old and I’ve cleaned and re-stained it about every year or two years. Typically, I power wash the deck, then apply some wood cleaner and brightener. Wipe on the stain (Defy Extreme/Clear), let dry, and re-apply stain again. Lots of labor. The last time the deck was sanded was about 10 years ago. I live in the San Francisco bay area where it is quite wet for 4-5 months a year with heavy fog and light/medium rain and about 3 months of no rain and lots of afternoon sun. I’d like to stretch the life of the stain from 1-2 years to 3-5 years. Is there a way to do this, e.g. seal over the stain, better quality stain, additives? If so, what products do you recommend? If not, what do you suggest?
No stain will last 3-5 years. You cannot top coat over a deck stain. With IPE, no stain actually will last more than 1 year due to the extreme density of the wood.
The company I work for installed a cumaru deck, then sealed it with a clear sealant. I thought it may have not been ready for sealing and they (against my arguments) did not sand or wash deck prior to sealing, just rinsed with hose. Then a week after initial application they applied a second coat again without washing. They applied it thick and now a month later the deck is very tacky. What can be done to fix this collosal screw up?
Remove all and start over. Strip and or sand to get it off. Use a proper hardwood stain after. Has to be tinted. Clear will not offer UV protection.
The deck is covered so it doesn’t need the uv protection, the customer is adamant about the natural hardwood look.
It will oxidize and gray on the outside edges if it is not tinted. What he wants is not possible to maintain the natural color.
Hello,
I have a large two-level Ipe deck that is 20 years old and in excellent condition.
I’ve power washed, sanded and used a cleaner and brighter to return the wood to its rich reddish/brown color.
I’m torn as to which brand of stain to use. I tested Ipe Oil on a small area and it turns the wood a dirty brown color.
I’ve read dozens of articles but have only gotten more confused as to which product will penetrate the Ipe and allow the reddish-brown color to stand out.
I want to use a natural or transparent color.
Thank you for any input!
Jim M.
Use Amber by Armstrong Clark: https://www.opwdecks.com/ipe-stain-1-gallon.htm
Thank you for the speedy reply and info!
What other brands do you sell? Why do you recommend Armstrong Clark?
I just want to ensure that I use the best product after all the time and effort I’ve put into preparing the deck.
Thank you!
AC has been our best-selling hardwood stain for over 10 years. Your IPE will need annual cleaning and recoating to properly maintain. AC is very easy to clean and recoat. No need to strip or sand.
Thank you!
Hi Jim – I’m thinking about doing the same to our ipe deck and had the same question as you. Was wondering if you’d had a chance to try out the different AC stains yet? Would love to get your take! Thanks!
Thank you. I just ordered three samples: (1) AC Amber, (2) AC Mahogany and (3) Messmer’s Red Mahogany.
Question: Your web site said samples were $8 each but they increased to $10 in the last few minutes!!??
No, they have been $10 for over 2 years.
We live in San Francisco so the humidity is usually really high around 75-85% and is really windy. We have been using Armstrong to stain our IPE. Do you recommend that we continue with this product line or switch to something else?
AC stains work great for IPE. Just clean and recoat as needed.
We have EPI on our covered porch. Our contractor stained it, but I can’t find the can do I am not sure w/ what. Part of it was under our rug. The other part gets really wet and the stain is washed away. Should we just strip it all and start over? Will there be water stains with your recommended stains?
Strip and brighten is correct:
https://www.opwdecks.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.htm
Use this stain after:
https://www.opwdecks.com/ipe-stain-1-gallon.htm
I am having my IPE deck installed this week. Do I let it sit for a while or stain it before the summer heat?
Wait 2-3 months and then prep:
https://www.opwdecks.com/rad-300.htm
and then stain:
https://www.opwdecks.com/exoticwoodstains.htm
I have a home with 14 foot vertical 6” wide cypress siding. The south facing wall developed rot and woodpecker damage, and I am replacing that with ipe. The house is stained mahogany sikkens. Will the ipe section take the mahogany stain and match the rest when all four walls are restained? I am being told that ipe may not work with sikkens
You will not be able to get new wood to match older wood and especially when a different wood type.
we just had a ice wood fence built on top of a small white stucco wall… the project looked beautiful until it rained, then the wood “bleed” all down the wall… did the contractor use the wrong oil/stain? can you recommend a stain that won’t run and hold the color of the ice wood? many thanks.
Post some pics and what stain brand did they use?
I have had the same issue with it bleeding on the stucco walls after rain. Used penofin stain. The manufacturer said it wasn’t prepped properly. It was indeed prepped correctly!
Since it’s September. Is it ok to just strip and oil next spring rather than now
also, we have applied with a roller then wiped down but the silver color shower thru so we reapplied. To get uniform color. What’s a better application?
No. Do the prep just before staining. Using a better brand and following their application directions will get you the proper appearance. The Key is to remove all of your over applied stain.
These are pics from my recent cleaning process and the oil I used in June
It is way overapplied. You have to remove all and start over. Strip and sand to get it all off. The start over with a better stain brand for IPE: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ipe-exotic-hardwood-stain-review/
My ipe deck is 20 years old. I clean and oil it every year. This passed spring. I stripped it, brightened and then oiled. I’m so frustrated, my wood takes on a tan to brown color. Almost like a film of grime.
I just re-cleaned it. Wondering if I should let it go the fall/winter before I oil again. I’m thinking my application of oil is not right or my oil is problem.
Help! Super frustrated,
karen
Post some pics in the comments and what stain was used prior?
I have an Ipe deck and I stained it last year and the color came out to a beautiful dark red. I stained it again this year and the color is now Orange. I cleaned it and used penofin oil. I’ve used multiple colors by Penofin to try to get the red color back, but to no avail.What am I doing wrong?
Strip and brighten it down to the bare wood and start with a fresh surface. Also switch brands of stain: https://www.opwdecks.com/exoticwoodstains.htm
Which stain and color?
See this link for hardwood stains and colors: https://www.opwdecks.com/exoticwoodstains.htm
Can you recommend a product? Tried Penofin years ago and that caused mold. In last 4 years switched to a water based stain but wood is so hard it really doesn’t penetrate.
https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm
Hi, I am want to stain my ipe exterior handrails that were installed four years ago. We would like the color to be a weathered gray look. What do recommend for us to use..?
We do not have or know of any deck stains for IPE wood that come in a gray color.
Hi, I’m getting ready to stain my IPE deck and patio that was installed Mar 2020. 1/2 of deck uncovered, other half covered patio. I stained the outdoor deck using Ipe Oil (Deckwise) for the first time last year in 2021. I did not stain or clean the covered patio. I have considered using TPW 100 Rustic based on the reviews but it was recommended to strip the floor for possible incompatibility with Ipe Oil. I still do not understand why I need to strip anything. I am really confused about what I should do to “prepare” the deck and patio. I do have water and dirt stains to address. I had planned to use a cleaner but sure if I need to use brighter and/or stripper. Any recommendations on whether to use brighter? Stripper if I want to change the brand of stain? Lastly, what is the recommend stain brand if I do not want the Ipe too dark or red in order to present the various lighter hues in the wood?
You always have to remove the prior coating when switching brands of deck stain. Stripping is no harder than cleaning, just removes the IPE Oil fully.
Look at Amber color in the Armstrong Clark Stain: https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-wood-stains/?custom_f_10%5B0%5D=45786f7469632048617264776f6f64732f497065
Thank you for the response and verification. I will look into the AC amber.
Ok, I have decided on the AC Amber Stain. Now…to make it just a little more complex. I have two sections–one patio (covered) that has never been stained and one deck (uncovered). For the patio flooring thats 2 yrs old, I’m thinking just a cleaner. There are some water stains from the weather and lighting on the edges from where the suns hits through the screen, but even after 2 yrs, the natural Ipe reddish tones are still there. It looks better than the deck flooring that was stained last year with Ipe Oil. For the deck, with SO MANY strippers out there, would you still recommend the RAD brand along with the brightener?
You need the brightener after using the cleaner for unstained wood. Stripper and brightener for the stained wood. Use the RAD prep products.
Hi, I have a rooftop Ipe deck, I think 10 years old. The frame was poorly built so a deck guy rebuilt that, and reinstalled the planks flipped over. He stained it but didn’t check with us on the color. Our deck is now quite red and my wife hates it. Should I sand and restrain or is there a product I can try first to get rid of the red? Also what stain would you recommend? Don’t mind natural wood color or something darkish but nothing bordering on black or red. Our deck before we redid it ended up looking grayish because of sun exposure and city dirt (Brooklyn) which my wife didn’t mind. Thanks.
We would need to see pics and know the stain brand and type used for help.
Here are some pics, don’t know the brand, can ask but he not very helpful.
Try the RAD Stripper: https://www.opwdecks.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper.htm
with both additives: https://www.opwdecks.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.htm
Sand after stripping to remove any remains of stain that cannot be stripped. Use the RAD Brighener after.
Stain with Armstrong Clark in Amber color: https://www.opwdecks.com/ipe-stain-1-gallon.htm
Thanks. Is the amber a lightish brown like in the pictures or will it be more clear and let the wood color as it is come through?
Amber is a tinted color but shows all the wood grain. Similar to a clean wet look after your prep.
It’s any way to stain ipa wood to lighter color like ash ?What stain and sealer I should use ?
No, that is not possible to stain IPE lighter in color.
It’s any way to stain ipa wood to lighter color like ash ?
The photos below show the condition of our IPE deck attached to our home in northwestern Montana. The deck was installed in 2007. According to notes left by a previous homeowner, the stain used was ‘Cabot Timber Oil in Jarrah Brown’, and was applied in 2015. There are no leftover cans of stain available and so I am unable to determine what actually was done to the deck.
What do you recommend to begin the restoration? Sand? Apply RAD stripper and brightener? Pressure wash?
After reading previous comments under ‘How to Stain IPE’, I am leaning toward either Armstrong Clark in amber or Defy in light walnut, since I would like to enhance the grain of the wood. What you recommend for our location? Most of our deck is open to the elements.
Thank you. The previous comments and your responses have been very informative.
Best to use the restore deck stain stripper with both additives. Let dry and then follow up with any sanding if needed to remove any excess stain that is not stripped. Brightener is last. Either brand of stain would work very well.
Wow-thanks for replying so quickly!
I would appreciate your recommendation re: pressure washing – PW after applying the stripper? PW each time after the stripper and the brightener? Or no PW at all?
Pressure wash after stripper is applied. Pressure wash rinse after the brightener.
Thank you!
Just letting you know that, today, I acted on your recommendations, and ordered the RAD stripper/brightener kit, plus the two additives. Also ordered samples of the stains that I listed earlier today.
Looking forward to begin the restoration process on our badly-neglected deck.
Thanks for the quick reply. Is there anything I can do to make it less dark?
There is not.
Ipe deck is about 9 months old. Used RAD cleaner and brightener yesterday. It looks cleaner and there’s a bit of brownish color in some of the boards, but it’s still mostly gray. I was hoping to stain it to look like it did when it was fairly new and would get wet. It was a beautiful color then. Now, even after the cleaner and brightener, when it’s wet, the color is very dark– much darker than when the deck was new and wet. I was going to use AC Mahogany stain, but I’m afraid it will be very dark. Is there anything I can do to make it look like it did when it was fairly new and wet?
No, it is the way the wood ages. No way to make it look like brand new wood. It should be ready to stain as long as the wood is clean and free of oxidation.
I have a 15 y/o IPE deck. Which has been treated by the same “Professional ” for 15 yrs. He was using Penofin. Last yr, he stripped and I think cleaned the deck, then applied Penofin after. He did it when it was sunny and 92º , the deck was hot… He applied 2 coats and not wiping down after either of the coats. Needless to say we had problems. it was sticky in spots…the deck chairs would show scratching marks, when moved. He “didn’t know why” !!! He reapplied after cleaning deck again about a month or so after. No change.. He said he though problem was the Penofins and he would contact the Co. But alas, we have not heard from him this yr. SO I AM gonna strip and brighten the deck with the RAD products. Which stain is recommended ? I have seen there have been problems with the Penofin stain with IPE decks, even tho we liked the colors brought out on our deck. Wanting to keep this colors coming thru, which stain, is water based better than oil?? Im thinking Oil based stain. Any help would be so very appreciated… Thanks
Try the Defy Hardwood stain for this. It is water-based and will hold color longer without darkening issues: https://www.opwdecks.com/defyhardwood.htm
Most use Light Walnut color.
We are installing an Ipe deck and the layout picture frames the field…can we stain the frame part darker to get a contrast with the field
Sure, use the AC in Black Walnut for the darker border and Amber for Lighter.https://www.opwdecks.com/ipe-stain-1-gallon.htm
Thank you
New Ipe deck install May 2020, with 2 coats of Penofin. Now, the boards are experiencing cupping, screw cracking, end checking and water marks are leaving stains in the deck after just watering plants. Our contractor has no idea if they applied seal to ends of cut boards, does not know if it was pre-drilled, nor if kiln-dried. They used screws, not hidden fasteners, but placed very near end of the board. The wood was brought straight to our home and installed over a few days, w/o any time to acclimate. They do not know how/if their supplier stored/treated the Ipe. They placed part of the ipe over a pond-liner to create a dry patio space below the deck, and left 1/4″ between the boards for extra ventilation. The contractor wants to sand and then apply a sealant.
Strip and brighen first. No need to sand. Use the Defy Hardwood Stain: https://www.opwdecks.com/defyhardwood.htm
I have a 14 year old Ipe deck, approximately 14 x 60. it was soft washed this Spring and tenants are now complaining about splinters from the uncovered portion of the deck. What is the best way to deal with this?
Prep with these kits: https://www.opwdecks.com/best-selling-cleaner.htm
Stain with this stain: https://www.opwdecks.com/defyhardwood.htm
So I don’t need to sand to address the splinters, I have to clean it again using this and stain?What about using Ipe Oil as I prefer the natural color of the wood, like in the pic of the covered portion of my deck.
IPE oil is tinted a dark brown, not clear. The Defy Hardwood is a better stain. Clear means it will gray naturally. If okay with the graying, then use this:
https://www.opwdecks.com/defy-extreme-clear.htm
Only sand if needed to remove splinters with a pole sander after the prep.
Should you sand an ipe deck .
Not unless absolutely needed.
I’ve been using Ipe Oil in my cumaru deck, and it repeatedly turns into an opaque brown film after a couple months (attached picture shows the dirty boards on the left and cleaned boards on the right, prior to restaining). The film is really hard to remove – cleaning it off with a sodium percarbonate cleaner still takes hours of scrubbing. Any suggestions of what’s going wrong with the stain? It doesn’t seem like mildew, since it’s so consistent across the entire deck. I cleaned the deck before staining in October 2020 (similar to the boards on the right in the picture), so I don’t think it’s pre-existing dirt. There’s a part of the deck with a slight overhang that blocks a little sun and most rain, and it looks much better.
IPW Oil is easy to remove with a stain stripper: https://www.opwdecks.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper.htm
Brightener after. Better to switch to a stain that will not darken like this. Try Defy Hardwood Stain: https://www.opwdecks.com/defyhardwood.htm
Six months ago a painter stained my ipe wood deck. He added Thompson Water seal to the stain. The stain is already peeling. What steps should be done to correct and properly apply stain?
We would need to see pictures for prep help.
Hello,
Our 10 year old covered porch ironwood deck was sanded and stained 6 months with Cabot 3002 Cedar stain. It is a little red for our liking and has already started fading. What do we need to do to make it less red and also last longer. Thanks for your help.
You will have to remove it and start over. Remove with this: https://www.opwdecks.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper.htm
Stain with Armstrong Clark in Amber or Black Walnut: https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm
Hi! We are considering installing a deck with IPE but I just don’t love the red color. I know it’s the strongest and has most longevity but is there any way I could stain this wood so it’s not sooo red? More ashy or walnut?
thanks in advance!!
Really appreciate it!!
we live in Southern California if that matters.
You can make it more dark brown in color. Look at Black Walnut by AC: https://www.opwdecks.com/ipe-stain-1-gallon.htm
So I can’t just put an ashy stain and try to neutralize the red? It has to go darker?
is there a different wood you recommend if we don’t go with IPE? Really wanted a lighter wood but I know IPE is the strongest.
thank you!!!
No way to do what you want. Does not matter wood type n
Hey Marlena – If you don’t stain the wood it will eventually turn a ash color. We just did our deck. I lightly sanded our deck with 150 grit sandpaper and applied a wood deck cleaner per instructions. It came out smooth and mostly grey. We like the new “color” look and can oil it when we desire in the future.
Hi! We are considering installing a deck with IPE but I just don’t love the red color. I know it’s the strongest and has most longevity but is there any way I could stain this wood so it’s not sooo red? More ashy or walnut?
thanks in advance!!
Really appreciate it!!
What is the best stain to use? The deck we are doing is covered and faces north. Is there one with a warranty?
Wood type and new?
Ipe and it’s 12 years old. We let it grey but now we want to bring it back.
For the prep, use these kits: https://www.opwdecks.com/rad-300.htm
For the stain, try Armstrong Clark: https://www.opwdecks.com/ipe-stain-1-gallon.htm
or
Defy Hardwood: https://www.opwdecks.com/defyhardwood.htm
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. The problem is that after applying the stain the deck basically came out looking brown with very little color variations. Is there a product I can use that will heighten the natural red and brown tones as opposed to turning it brown? If so, what’s my next step? Do I have to strip it? Thanks
Yes, you would have to remove and start over. Try Defy Hardwood in light walnut: https://www.opwdecks.com/defyhardwood.htm
Thanks,What product would you recommend to strip it?What are the chances that the original natural wood colors will reappear? Is time of the essence?
Post a picture for help with stripping. Times does not matter.
One photo is how it looked when it was wet before we stained it. The browner photo is how it looks post stain.
Strip and brighten the wood with this and it will remove the Deckwise Oil: https://www.opwdecks.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.htm
Here’s the photo pre-stain wet
Here is a picture pre-stained wet
I just installed an Ipe deck. I used hidden fasteners except on the last lengths of Ipe that run parallel with the home’s exterior wall. On this run I fastened boards with counter sunk stainless screws and plugged the holes with 3/8″ wide Ipe plugs glued with Gorilla glue. I sanded these plugs flush which altered the patina of the Ipe surface at these spots. I think I may have to sand the entire deck surface prior to applying the finish to obtain an even color and not highlight the sanding at the plugs. Is there any reason not to sand entire surface with 80 grit orbital sandpaper? The lumber dealer suggested sanding to help Ipe absorb the finish. The deck is about 180 sq ft so is not too formidable. Would appreciate your insight. Thanks!
You can sand it all to even it out but you cannot stain this yet. It has to weather and then be properly prepped before staining: https://www.opwdecks.com/when-to-stain-a-new-deck.htm
We have a 2 yo ipe rooftop and back deck in the PNW. It has never been stained. I like the naturally graying color. I have been reading and seems like staining helps the longevity of the wood. Is there a stain (Clear stain?) I can use to preserve the gray color? Thanks!
No, a clear sealer cannot be applied over a gray oxidized deck.
Got it. Is it too late to stain it back to its natural color? If not, what stain color/brand would you recommend?
Clean and brighten to remove the gray
https://www.opwdecks.com/best-selling-cleaner.htm
and the stain is easily done.
https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm