Sealing weathered deck - DIY Chatroom

lstewart22 · 11-03-2009, 09:18 AM

I love the way my deck has weathered and turned a silver grey. It's still in good shape but I know I need to seal it. Is an oil base important? Is there a sealant that won't yellow it? Can I use a sprayer for application? I'm looking at Flood UV or Olympic Maximum? I realize I'll need to redo in a couple of years but want to get something down before winter. I live in NC close to the beach. TIA Linda

DangerMouse · 11-03-2009, 09:59 AM

what kind of wood? cedar?

DM

sedwick · 11-03-2009, 11:58 AM

I don't mean to hijack your thread, but I'm in the same situation. Maybe they can help both of us.
My deck is 10'x30' built last fall using pine. I'm gonna clean it this afternoon and try to seal it this weekend. I had in mind a semi-transparent oil base stain. Will this be suitable? My freind said it was hard to get this stuff down without streeking and dark spots. How is the best way to apply..I have an electric spray gun if this would be better to use.

Thanks,,,JD

Skuce · 11-03-2009, 12:19 PM

I found that just using a Boiled Linseed oil painted on with a brush (or wagner sprayer) works wonders.

You can also use the sprayer to get down the heavy coat and then brush the spots you need to feather together.

Also if you mix approx 1 teaspoon of Borax into a Gallon of linseed oil. It makes the wood taste like crap to all Insects and wood eating microbes. It's non-toxic....just that critters hate it so they move away.

DangerMouse · 11-03-2009, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skuce

if you mix approx 1 teaspoon of Borax into a Gallon of linseed oil. It makes the wood taste like crap to all Insects and wood eating microbes. It's non-toxic....just that critters hate it so they move away.

EXCELLENT advise! It likely doesn't leave a whiteish residue? Because it soaks into the oil? I may try that next time I oil.
All I use on my Jarrah and Ipey combo deck is boiled linseed oil. I love how it keeps the grey away and waterproofs the wood. The only drawback IMHO is the need to reapply more often to keep up with the sun. But I'll never use anything else on my landing/rails/balusters/steps! Keeps it looking gorgeous.

DM

Skuce · 11-03-2009, 12:33 PM

It only leaves a white residue if you add WAY too much to the mix. lol.

lstewart22 · 11-03-2009, 01:00 PM

The wood is pine and I'm doing a gently spray was uding a little bleach for the patches of mildew and using a scrub brush with dawn detergent for the dirt. It's cleaning up nicely but the gray isn't grey anymore. Will it grey up once dry and before a sealant. Linseed oil is something I've never heard of. Help!!