The key to a lasting easy to maintain finish using Ipe Oil Hardwood Stain is to prep the wood correctly prior to staining. Correct prep will cleanse the wood of any dirt and grime and help open the wood pores to accept stain. Ipe is a very dense wood by nature so stain penetration is crucial for adequate weather protection.
To prep Ipe wood for staining it first needs to be cleaned. Using a quality wood cleaner like Restore-A-Deck will make the job easier. RAD is a unique 2 step cleaning system perfect for Ipe wood prep.
Following the RAD instructions you simply wet the wood surface and apply the cleaner using a garden sprayer or mop. Allow the cleaner to sit for 10 minutes. Lightly pressure wash or scrub the surface with a stiff brush. This removes any dirt, grime, and graying. Repeat the cleaning process for stubborn areas then rinse thoroughly.
After cleaning Ipe, use the wood brightener (step 2) to restore the wood’s color and help open pores. Simply mix the brightener as instructed, apply in the same manner as the cleaner, let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse. No need to pressure wash or scrub. The brightener only needs to sit on the surface to work and is then rinsed off.
Once the Ipe wood surface has been cleaned and brightened, allow it to dry for a day before applying Ipe Oil Hardwood Deck Finish.
Please note that if the Ipe deck has an old stain on it and you are switching to Ipe Oil Finish, you must strip off the old stain. The prepping process is the same as above except you would use RAD Stain Stripper instead of the Wood Cleaner. The stain stripper replaces the Wood Cleaner and is then followed up with the step 2 Wood Brightener in the same manner.
Ipe Oil Hardwood Stain performance can be jeopardized when it is applied to an incorrectly prepped surface. Knowing how to prep for Ipe Oil Hardwood Deck Finish will ensure maximum protection and lasting beauty.