Celeste

I agree with Tony about the surface probably not being quite ready to accept stain......we did a very large deck that we had stripped a solid from - there were some places that the old stain did not come off and where the Wood Defender was applied, it was shiny. Call Brent or Todd - they'll tell you exactly what to do. Celeste

Here are a couple shots of an Ipe deck we start on Monday. It was sealed with Mesmer's less than 9 months ago. We're sealing the ipe floor, spindles, steps & rail system with Aussie oil....homeowner wants the pressure treated wood to match the siding color.

Degraff - we use a moisture meter to check the wetness. The 28% I was referring to had actually been in full sun for 2 weeks when we tested. I can't imagine what it was prior to that.

As posted on PWNA's site: Pete Marentay Appointed to PWNA’s New Vendor Advisory Board It was good news for Pete Marentay but potentially sad news for the PWNA. Marentay, who was serving in his second term as a Director of PWNA, recently reported to the Board that he had finalized the sale of his Georgia-based contract cleaning company, Sun Brite Services. The sale does not include Sun Brite Supply, which he continues to own and operate. According to a new By-law passed by the members earlier this year, non-contractors are not permitted to hold the positions on the Board of Directors (BOD). As a result, Pete had to resign from his position as Director. The entire Board expressed disappointment at Pete's departure, as he has been a long-time supporter and advocate for the Association and the industry as a whole. Even before joining the PWNA’s Board of Directors, Pete taught seminars at PWNA’s conventions and co-authored the Wood Certification class. When elected to the BOD in 2001, he chaired the Certification Committee and continued to teach Wood classes for several years. He headed the search for a new management company when the BOD decided to hire JMP Productions in 2003. Pete was appointed as chair of the Communications Committee last fall where he started things off by spearheading the creation of the new Contractor Spotlight Award and later oversaw the development of the new "e-version" of Water Works. He is also credited with authoring the Ethics Statement and the revised By-laws passed earlier this year by the membership. “Pete is a well-respected and knowledgeable individual who has helped the PWNA in countless ways over the years”. “To loose touch with him completely would be a great loss.” In recognition of Pete Marentay’s commitment, dedication and experience, the Board immediately appointed him to the new Vendor Advisory Board, which was in the initial stages of being implemented. This new Board is intended to be a non-voting support group for the BOD. As the first Vendor-Member to be appointed to this group, Pete will continue to help the Communications Committee with its projects, including the ‘Clean Across America’ campaign and the conversion of the BBS to a library format. “I would like to publicly thank Pete for everything he’s done for PWNA members and me over the years”. “Congratulations on the sale of your company and congratulations as well on your appointment to the Vendor Advisory Board, Pete. We’re all looking forward to seeing what you’ll accomplish in this new position.” PWNA President Paul Horsley

That's a lot of wood!

ROFLMAO Tony!

It took 3 of us a full day - factors to consider (1) 95 degrees in the shade so lots of breaks to stay hydrated (2) additional time for the two different stains (3) we hand rubbed and brushed the whole job. But truthfully, this job was so enjoyable, it wouldn't have mattered if it took longer. It was instant gratification, the homeowners were great to us (we got POTTY use!). Thoroughly enjoyable day altogether :)

There are a few details you left out: Is there a finish on this or is it just greyed and dirty? How old is it? What type of wood? Is it a raised deck? Can you put up some pictures :) Celeste

The project we just finished was sealed (with Mesmers) immediately upon finishing - the finish failed in less than 9 months. Would the fact that they didn't let it season at all be a contributing factor to the quick failure?

We thoroughly enjoyed it.....learned somethings about two-toning that we didn't plan well for in our excitement :) like applying the solid first....duh. It worked out okay since we were multiple people and it was pretty much all getting done at once, but it could have been a bit easier the other way. Loved working with the Aussie Oil and lambswool....but don't cut the pads in half! They will leave little sheep fuzzies :) Definitely learned that an Ipe splinter hurts worse than the other kind. We went back the next day to help put the furniture back on - they evidently could not wait so instead of working, we became their first guests on the deck. It was very nice - you couldn't help but just stare at the wood. It is gorgeous stuff. Our other deck builder is starting on one next month....floor alone is huge. We can't wait! Celeste

Tell us some more about the decks. Are they ground level, is there a stain already on them? You need to talk to them about the paint. Try to lead them to stain and away from paint. If they want the painted look then thay need to go with a solid stain. If you would like give me a call. Roger

Here's the floor from a bird's eye view :)

:lglolly: Happy Birthday, Beth :lglolly: Roger, Celeste,Adron & Hannah

That would be great - I have a fear of something flaming up in the back of the truck on the way home. The Aussie Oil clearly states on several places on the can - including a big yellow sticker - that spontaneous combustion can occur. We were nervous a long tailed cats in a room full of rockers while doing that Ipe deck - kept everything wet, etc...

NMD80 will clean copper.

We've made it a policy to have our certificates of insurance to be sent to EVERYONE we do work for (I'm at least making my agent earn my premiums) We even had them issued to See Dirt Run when we went up to work with Beth & Rod. If we're just doing an estimate package, they get a copy of both GL and WC showing limits and coverage periods - paid in full. Celeste

Hey - we'll go! My sister lives there :) Celeste

The finished product :) Gotta love it when the homeowner tips as well! Ipe in Mahogany Flame, solid stain is Cabot's custom tinted to match their siding.

We had success wiping the excess with a rag and mineral spirits on the last deck we did :) (Thanks Beth) Celeste

Hey, they could just start a tree farm :)

Well, I said I was done but our local news has prompted one last remark about what is being taught in schools today - We have a "Safe Surrender" law in our state - any mother "in crisis" can abandon their newborn babies up to 7 days old at any Law enforcement, Fire Dept or hospital without ANY question or repurcussion. I get this and it's fine, better there than a dumpster HOWEVER, some stupid teenager didn't get the memo with all the rules and left her child in a parking lot of a Pregnancy Crisis Center this morning - when they were closed. The baby was found and is recovering, however, now the deal is to teach IN SCHOOL that you, after being unable to abstain or wait long enough for the rain coat to get put on, can legally abandon your newborn baby!!!! My only point I was trying to make in this thread - and apparently rather badly - is that if society followed the rules of their religions, whatever religion is chosen - ALOT OF THE CRAP TODAY WOULD PROBABLY NOT BE HAPPENING! There are far too many things being taken on by our school system as part of their responsibility that shouldn't be there. If proper morality shouldn't be taught, then there's no reason for the schools to be teaching the measures to be immoral. So fine, keep religion out of schools - but damn don't teach my 12 year old to go to her Guidance Counselor who can take her to an abortion clinic without my knowledge because she's knocked up since she missed the part of the class that taught about condoms.

It is some incredibly beautiful wood that's for certain - if the weather holds out, we'll be putting Mahogany Flame on by the end of the week :)

Just another angle.......

Stripping was our judgment call as well.....here are a few before and afters :) Can't wait to see this one finished!

James, what percentage bleach and at what proportions do you suggest? Thanks, Celeste