Tips for treating wooden decks
Published 9:10 pm Wednesday, December 7, 2011
We recently wrote an article where we shared the formula for our very own home-grown wood deck preservative consisting of equal parts of boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits.
The article generated several really relevant questions from one reader that we thought might be useful to others:
How long after a rain should a deck dry out before treating it?
A brand new deck should absolutely not be treated for the first year unless kiln dried wood was used. Kiln dried wood contains only a hint of moisture and will readily accept oil preservative. Wet wood will not absorb preservative — a bad thing.
If the deck has seasoned for a year, then you need only wait three weeks after a rain. Of course, we are assuming three warm weeks.
How much time should pass after treating and before a rain?
Rain can fall on a freshly treated deck without spoiling the finish, but we would suggest performing the application during a nonrainy part of the year to ensure sufficient ambient warmth. Warmth will ensure that the oil remains fully viscous and therefore will help it to be absorbed more deeply into the wood.
How many times should I apply the mixture on the initial treatment?
Two very thin coats should be applied to an untreated deck. Dip a rag in the concoction and wipe it firmly into the surface.
Do not use a paint brush or a roller. Doing so will inadvertently apply too much oil at once.
The surface should never shine from puddling. If shiny spots exist, too much oil has been applied and the shiny spots will become sticky and the oil will not properly dry.
Rub shiny first coat spots off with a rag dipped in pure mineral spirits.
A second coat should not be applied for at least 24 hours. Doing so should not cause a shine. In other words, do not apply a second coat if it causes a shine. A well-oiled finish should appear dull.
How often do you recommend treating the deck?
A pressure washing with a deck cleaner and a fine fresh coat of oil should be applied once every year or two, depending on the conditions in your area.
What can I look for that would indicate a reapplication?
The deck will begin to look tattered and possibly it may even begin to turn grey.
What, in your opinion, is the best solution to clean the deck?
Oxalic acid, otherwise known as wood bleach, is perfect for the task. Wet the wood with the spray nozzle of a garden hose, sprinkle on the oxalic acid particles, scrub the deck with a bristle broom, and pressure wash grit, grime and dead wood fibers away.
If I wanted to color the treatment solution, what would you suggest?
Actually, coloring our formula will add life to your deck and the finish may last an extra year.
A clear finish is great for displacing the water that would otherwise cause the wood in your deck to rot.
However, a clear finish, no matter how high the quality won’t protect wood from the sun’s ultraviolet rays as well as a tinted finish.
We simply purchase oil pigment from the paint store and add to taste, visual taste that is.
For tips from James and Morris Carey, go to www.onthehouse.com or call the listener hot line, 800-737-2474, ext. 59. The Careys are also on KRKO (1380-AM) from 6 to 10 a.m. every Saturday.
