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Hello Everyone, Had a HO call today and wanted to know if we could strip a dock that is less than two years old. I told yes we could but I have one question for all the pro's. What should I use that will not harm the water and fish in the pond? The HO said that James T Davis Solid water based decking stain was used, it is now peeling. Thanks for any help. Stan

Paul, Different business models. Many, if not most specializing in exterior wood, build long term relationships with their customers. By definition, that means maintenance. By gross sales each season, that means a skewed geometric business growth over time. Most of us can make ipe' look like God's gift to man, day one. WT, RS, BM, Assie Oil, Penofin, Messmer's, Sikkens, F&P, Behr's, CWF, does not matter. What matters is value to the customer. Attached are two pics of WT on unweathered, "unseasoned" ipe'. Six months of NJ weathering over the winter. No sun exposure to speak of. Job was ~ $ 2K out of his pocket. Not a stain fault, a wood prep fault. Think the customer is happy? Think again.

Can't entirely agree with the logic posed of not sealing Ipe from get go. I see it that there are many things to consider.. For your consideration I point to conversation in Rick's ipe thread below. Letting it season only rings true to me if it can be proven that a deck that was sealed from get go every year or so is STILL a very fickle character compared to the one that went 6 month or so before it got it's first. I just can't say I've seen a shread of evidence saying either deck would not be well situated to take stain a few year in so I have to relate the topic to being about trying to save money rather than providing initial asthetics. http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums/wood-cleaning-restoration-decks-fences-etc/10202-thoughts-oxalic-ipe-5.html#post128154 Russell, you said heaps here mang!! very smart thing to point out... "In a sense you can think of them as "oiled down" versions of Wood-Tux but in reality, only the percentage of oil to resin changes. The percentage of pigment and other solids is virtually identical. "

This is comparing spots & stripes.....new ptp (1 yr or less) versus wood that is 4-5 years old ..... Like Beth said as well, the wood treatment changes in that time period would be a mitigating factor. Even now, there are a variety of pressure treated woods on the market that could and do affect sealer application. Softwoods go through too many changes in the early period after installation, it just makes sense to minimize the effects by treating it early and then frequently if necessary in order to maximize the longevity of the wood.

WoodTux is loaded with resin. On a scale of extreme viscosities it would be more towards maple syrup then it would be water. The oil makes it dive a bit deeper into the wood and makes it easier to work with. The caveat is decreased longevity or the requirement of a two coat application.

I have been searching and reviewing many of the threads here for the last several days and appreciate all of the information that is available on this site. I have a Cedar deck about 4 years old. Two years ago I foolishly sealed with a Behr product and as you know, it did not last and simply looks horrible. Wish I had found this site then... So, I was thinking of using Restore-a-Deck after doing necessary sanding to provide a good starting point for the staining. However, I am a bit lost when it comes to what the best stain/sealer for a diy'er. I love the look and feedback that many of you have for Woodtux but that seems to only be for contractors. Would anyone be willing to provide recommendations on the best homeowner stain/sealer that I can get? I am fine with doing a light cleaning and possibly doing a new coat in the spring each year on the horizontals to keep it looking new. I don't want to have to strip each time though if possible. Any assistance you are willing to provide is much appreciated as your opinions are valued.

Corey Woodrich Brand Stain & Seal is very similar to Wood-Tux. It is formulated with a lower amount of resin solids making it easier to apply. It is possible to get the same level of protection by using two coats of Stain & Seal. It should be applied wet on wet. Take care not to leave any puddles after the second application. You can find more information on Woodrich Brand Stain & Seal at Wood Deck Cleaning & Sealing Products - ideal for wood siding and log homes Russell Cissell Wood Deck Cleaning & Sealing Products - ideal for wood siding and log homes 636-288-8512