where can i use it?
Natural Deck Oil is recommended for use on decks, fences, shake roofs, stairs, porches, siding, outdoor wood furniture, playground equipment, gazebos, railings and other exterior wood application.
how much do i need?
Coverage depends on the texture and moisture content of the wood.
One gallon usually covers approximately 250 square feet of smooth wood or 200 square feet of rough wood on the first coat. For the second coat, 1 gallon should be sufficient for 400 square feet for smooth wood or 350 square feet on rough wood.
If the wood is very damp, more Natural Deck Oil will wick into the wood, so the area covered by a gallon will be about 20 percent less.
how do i install or apply it?
Preparation
Choose a dry day to refinish your deck. Avoid application when the low temperature will be below 40 degrees F or when the forecast calls for rain within 24 hours. Plan the job so that you can apply Natural Deck Oil while the deck is cool and out of direct sunlight.
The amount of preparation depends on the existing condition of the wood. See Bio-Wash paint strippers and wood brighteners for directions on how to use any of the products mentioned below.
Biowash Stripex L
Biowash Woodwash
If the deck is new: Prepare the wood by washing with Bio-Wash Stain Prep, applied with a garden sprayer. Stain Prep opens wood pores, stabilizes the pH and adds borate to deter fungus growth.
If the deck looks grungy but was treated in the past year (with any brand of finish): Clean with Bio-Wash Simple Wash. If water beads up on the cleaned wood and the deck looks good, you're done. If water does not bead up, condition with Stain Prep, then apply one coat of Natural Deck Oil in Cedar or Redwood tones. If water beads but the wood looks ugly, strip the old finish with Bio-Wash Stripex-L. (Because Stripex-L is alkaline, it may darken redwood or cedar. Condition with Stain Prep. Then coat with Natural Deck Oil.
If the deck has been painted and the paint is peeling: Strip the old finish with Stripex-L, then brighten if necessary with Natural Wood Brightener. Final prep step: Stain Prep.
If the deck has no finish but has weathered: Remove grime and loose wood fibers with Bio-Wash Woodwash Weathered Wood Restorer or diluted Bio-Wash Woodwash Concentrate. If this darkens the deck, clean using Simple Wash to help restore the color. . Final prep step: Stain Prep.
Application
Wait until standing water has evaporated and there are no obviously wet areas. If Natural Deck Oil is applied when the wood is too wet, the moisture in the wood will wick too much of the finish into the wood, leaving too little on the surface. It helps for the wood to be somewhat moist, however.
Also check to make sure the wood is not hot or in direct sun. A hot surface will cause the finish to dry unevenly, creating a blotchy look and glossy patches.
Apply Natural Deck Oil with a garden sprayer, brush, roller or painter's pad. If you use a roller or sprayer, immediately go over the surface with a brush to ensure an even coat and to help the finish penetrate. Apply the stain liberally.
Wait until the first coat of Natural Deck Oil has been absorbed and there are no obviously wet areas. Then apply a second coat. Do not let the first coat completely dry.
End grain absorbs more stain than other surfaces. To extend the life of the coating, apply at least two liberal coats to all ends. Whenever possible, also coat the back of boards.
Drying
Natural Deck Oil usually dries to touch in one or two hours. It can be walked on at that point. A complete cure takes 24 hours at 65 degrees F. The finish can be damaged by water spray during that time.
Cleanup
Over-spray and spills are easy to clean up with cold tap water before the product dries. When dry, use Stripex-L to remove Natural Deck Oil.
Storage
Do not allow unused product to freeze.
how do i maintain it?
Usually, Natural Deck Oil should be reapplied every year. People sometimes stretch the job to once every two years, but the wood is better off with an annual coat.
If a deck looks dirty, clean it with Bio-Wash Simple Wash and then check whether water beads up on the cleaned wood. If so, the deck is fine as is. If not, apply Stain Prep to neutralize the residue from Simple Wash and then apply a fresh coat of Natural Deck Oil. (Never apply Natural Deck Oil, which is alkaline, directly after Simple Wash, which is acidic.)
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