Disappointed with Ipe Oil...

[phmade]

Last year I helped my parents install an Ipe Dock near their pond.  We really took the time to do things correctly and pre-finished all of the boards on all 6 sides with Ipe Oil.  We used clips for the majority of boards to hide the fasteners and then plugged the necessary holes and sanded flush.  The Ipe Oil we used was purchased from Advantage Lumber (made by DeckWise) and it just didn't seem to last.  The warm brown tone was gone within a week and the deck is showing some checking after only 1 year.  We did re-apply the Ipe Oil twice but overall I'm pretty displeased. 

Is this normal?  I usually don't build decks - or anything outdoors - but I had hoped the Ipe oil would leave a nice warm brown for atleast a few months.  I had planned on re-coating 2-3 times per year if necessary but it seems like I would have to re-coat each month if I want the nice color...  Any feedback would be appreciated.  I am a rookie when it comes to working with Ipe.  Thanks!

 

[tjbnwi]

Messmer's and Sikens are the 2 I've used, both have last at least a season.

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-971-cable-elevators.aspx

http://www.perfectwoodstains.com/products/deck-stain

Tom

 

[Walk On Wood]

+1 for Sikkens... Im a floor sander, but I've done a few decks.. Sikkens works well, recoat each year

 

[junk731]

You might want to try this product from Penofin. Works as advertised if you follow the instructions.

http://www.penofin.com/products_rl.shtml

John

 

[leakyroof]

Darcy/Warner Construction ,who posts his deck work here often,  works alot with Ipe, and always uses Messmers from what his posts read.
I tend to use Sikkens Marine Finish in either Natural Teak or Marine Light for some of my outdoor projects, but,,, none of them are decks.  With no foot traffic, I either do a light coat as needed each year, or only after 2-3 years depending on weather and sun conditions for that location of what I've made.

 

[Scott B.]

We do alot of ipe decks and use Penofin Marine alot. It is still high maintenance, but works well if done properly. The biggest mistake most people make is putting too much on, and not wiping excess after allowing it to sit during application. Putting too much on causes premature failure. Ipe is so dense, it will only absorb what it wants.

Here is a link to the Peno Marine: http://www.penofin.com/products_marine.shtml

I wrote an blog article a few years ago on finishing ipe. So you know you are not alone, most people struggle with ipe. There are over 300 comments in the comment section from ipe deck owners trying to figure it out:

http://topcoatreview.com/2011/06/ipe-deck-finish-5-things-not-to-do/

There is no universal formula for success on any deck finish because exposures (wind, sun, weather, moisture, traffic) are so variable from deck to deck. So, it is always a game of figuring out your deck. Or in my case, figuring out customers decks.

 

[leakyroof]

We do alot of ipe decks and use Penofin Marine alot. It is still high maintenance, but works well if done properly. The biggest mistake most people make is putting too much on, and not wiping excess after allowing it to sit during application. Putting too much on causes premature failure. Ipe is so dense, it will only absorb what it wants.

Here is a link to the Peno Marine: http://www.penofin.com/products_marine.shtml

I wrote an blog article a few years ago on finishing ipe. So you know you are not alone, most people struggle with ipe. There are over 300 comments in the comment section from ipe deck owners trying to figure it out:

http://topcoatreview.com/2011/06/ipe-deck-finish-5-things-not-to-do/

There is no universal formula for success on any deck finish because exposures (wind, sun, weather, moisture, traffic) are so variable from deck to deck. So, it is always a game of figuring out your deck. Or in my case, figuring out customers decks.

  Soooo true.  Purpleheart is the same way, pretty much laughs at you when applying an oil or non-film finish... [big grin]

 

[mouppe]

+1 for Penofin. My indoor ipe floor was done in 2005 and finished with Penofin, and whilst it could do with a recoat in places it is still in great shape.

 

[JSlovic]

There is no universal formula for success on any deck finish because exposures (wind, sun, weather, moisture, traffic) are so variable from deck to deck. So, it is always a game of figuring out your deck. Or in my case, figuring out customers decks.
[/quote]   Soooo true.  Purpleheart is the same way, pretty much laughs at you when applying an oil or non-film finish... [big grin]

[/quote] 
I've had good luck with Messemers on Purple Heart, I brush it on wait ~15 min and wipe like hell. my challenge is getting it on between pollen seasons

 

[leakyroof]

There is no universal formula for success on any deck finish because exposures (wind, sun, weather, moisture, traffic) are so variable from deck to deck. So, it is always a game of figuring out your deck. Or in my case, figuring out customers decks.

   Soooo true.  Purpleheart is the same way, pretty much laughs at you when applying an oil or non-film finish... [big grin]

[/quote] 
I've had good luck with Messemers on Purple Heart, I brush it on wait ~15 min and wipe like heck. my challenge is getting it on between pollen seasons
[/quote]  Agree, wiping off the excess is the key. It will absorb some finish........ Does NOT soak it up though... [smile]

 

[phmade]

Thanks for the responses. 
Scott B. - I had actually read your article when we installed the deck and used it as a guide.  I think I'll order some Messmer's or Penofin Marine and give it a try to see if it performs any better than the Ipe Oil...

Thanks again.

 

[Scott B.]

Thanks for the responses. 
Scott B. - I had actually read your article when we installed the deck and used it as a guide.  I think I'll order some Messmer's or Penofin Marine and give it a try to see if it performs any better than the Ipe Oil...

Thanks again.

I thought it sounded like you had done a bunch of things right that most people don't do. I would write it off as a product disappointment and pay particular attention to sit time and wipe out on the next round. Stay on it. Ipe is worth it. We just brought one back this week from the dreggs of weathered out. Its like a fine wine.