Need recommendations of oil for staining merbau deck.
Thinking to buy this
https://www.bunnings.com.au/timber-protect-10l-oil-based-nat…
Can we save the oil for years or will it dry. Up? Thanks
Merbau Deck Oil Stain
Bargain-er on 26/09/2022 - 09:16
Comments
Murr-bow?
Just re-oiled my deck a couple of weeks ago. I don't have merbau (Northern Box/Pelawan) but I've used Cutek Extreme for a few years now and its really good stuff. A fair bit pricier than the option in your link though.
Went through this process a number of years ago
One thing for sure is that I failed miserably in finding that ONE product that is good and value for money. All the various products out there seem to have its fair share of pros and cons.
I ended up using Flood's Spa n Deck - https://www.paintaccess.com.au/products/flood-spa-n-deck-10-litres.. not cheap but seems to hold up to the weather rather well. So far, I've only had to oil my deck every say 2-3 years on average.
To answer your other question - I have always kept the leftover oil, sealed it and just re-used them when the next time comes around. Havnt had any issues so far.
Have used Timber Protect twice on my forest red gum deck, of which about two thirds is in full sun, and would not recommend.
The first time I applied three coats and it needed re-staining in about 12 months - mostly in the sun exposed areas regardless of foot traffic. Areas not exposed to sun held up pretty well.
The second time I applied two coats and the sun exposed areas lasted only about 9 months and again the shaded areas were almost 'like new'.
Had previously used Flood Spa n Deck (water-based rather than oil-based) multiple times. It generally lasted about 18-24 months between applications, but started to bubble in the high traffic sun exposed areas and the entire deck had to be sanded back and I therefore switched to oil-based stains.
Moral of above is UV light kills decking stains, especially the natural or lighter colours as there are less protective pigments added. I will be using Cutek Extreme next time - it will be pricier, but considering the time saved in cleaning and re-coating the deck, should be money well spent.
Oil based products (like the one you suggested)
- work by soaking into the wood and providing moisture resistance and moisture to stop it drying out
- take longer to dry (can be over a day if its cool)
- generally retains the natural wood look a bit better
- require more frequent re-application
- but you can re apply by giving the deck a quick clean so it doesnt take very long. Just whack the new stuff over the old
water based applications (like spa and deck)
- work by creating a barrier over the top of the wood to protect the wood
- dry quickly
- can cover up the wood (ie if you want to change the colour or something)
- lasts longer than oil
- but because they are just a film/barrier, when it wears out it starts peeling and if you wait too long you end up having to sand the entire deck before you can reapply. If its very exposed deck, you can go from 'it looks ok' to 'it needs a full re sand within a few months', if you arent paying attention
My 2c
- if you have a deck that is exposed to the elements, especially N or W sun - use oil based but be prepared to reapply perhaps every 12 months or so, will only take a few hours
- if you have a protected deck - either is fine but the water based will probably last 5yrs+ before you need any further effort
- Cutek extreme claims to be better than the usual oil product; most cheaper version use more linseed, more expensive use more tung oil (which takes even longer to dry - like days). Cutek doesnt actually say what it uses. Reality is that the cheaper stuff will do the job but not for as long; so you have to buy more of it more often and also the time to reapply.Will try my luck here whilst waiting for Cutek.
Any idea whether I could apply Cutek directly on top of Spa n Deck? or do i need to strip off the existing coating first?
do i need to strip off the existing coating first?
Yes
https://deckmasters.ca/images/cutek/How-to-Use-Cutek-Extreme…
The existing stuff creates a barrier over the wood but Cutek works by soaking into the wood, which it cant do if there is a barrier in place
Ah thanks for the tip!
Wonder is it oil or water based which can be reapplied easily (without stripping old one). Paint stop aomehow recommend this over Cutek, they have both in stock
https://www.intergrain.com.au/products/intergrain-universal-…
My deck is exposed to Eastern sun. At paint stop I was advised oil based :
https://www.intergrain.com.au/products/intergrain-universal-…
At Bunnings I was advised water based :
https://www.intergrain.com.au/products/intergrain-ultradeck-…
Both advised 12 months reapply. Just need one easier to reapply without much prep work. Probably water based one? Thanks
Pull it up and replace with composite decking if it's small and makes things worthwhile
mare-boo or mare-bow
.