Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 24, 2000 02:20pm | #1

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   thomas,

   I've had good luck with Cuprinol products for decks. Put it on as soon as you can.

   Red dog

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   Guest_ | Apr 25, 2000 03:11am | #2

   *Thomas,My understanding is that Thompsons has wax in it to give those dramatic water droplets. Problem is it tracks up real good and traps dirt. I seem to recall Consumer Reports doing a real time test of deck coatings a year or two ago(3?) It was a nice head to head test.I personally like Superdeck by Duckback, but I've only used in on redwood. (plus I'm not in a particularly challenging environment, other than sun! North CA)G luckAdam

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 26, 2000 03:19pm | #3

   *I've done some deck washing and treating as a way to get my foot in the door for other business.I exclusively use Benjamin Moore deck and siding. I also use the oil based, not the Latex. People have loved the look, and life of the product. Penatration and coverage is excellent. The product seems to stand up to traffic, and UV very well.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 26, 2000 04:00pm | #4

   *Thomas, also don't miss the active thread (in this folder) asking the same question you did. Its called "Whats the best finish for decking?"

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 30, 2000 05:58pm | #5

   *Thomas: Wherever you are, UV poses the greatest threat to exterior wood surfaces-horizontal surfaces are especially vulnerable! PTW should receive coating protocol different from other woods due to the presence of arsenic compunds. In my experience, a penetrating coating is the best choice; Olympic waterguard is great,Thompson's Wood Protector (not Waterseal), is also good-really anything e/ a linseed oil base is appropriate. I am leery of acrylic coatings, or of any film-forming product for that matter, as this film can and will crack/peel/fail. It's preferable to put something in the wood, rather than on the wood. Stains, whether solid or semi,will fade if exposed to full sun. Finally, avoid painting PTW whenever possible... Best, LRZb DECK MAINTENANCE SERVICES

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   WILLIAM_F_PHILLIPS | May 03, 2000 07:41pm | #6

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   tom;

   You didn't say what kind of wood but I'll offer up some suggestions. I've had good luck with Olympic semi transparent. It's linseed based and has some pigment which I have used on pressure treated to give a more palatable color. I use a sprayer and back brush as I go.

   I also have a redwood deck that I did differently. I treated this with Seasonite (made by Flood) (sprayed and back brushed) and came back in 9 mos with CWF (also by Flood). I used the clear and it looks great on redwood - and probably cedar as well.

   I agree with LWR's comment regarding film forming products. I also try to stay with the same 'family' of products whenever possible (cleaners and protectant). I also fill knot holes periodically (every 2 yrs) with a good exterior wood filler to keep water infiltration to a min.

   good luck!

3. 
   thomas_rath | May 03, 2000 07:41pm | #7

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   hey all you pro's and do it yourself people. i just got done building my deck and need to know what i should seal it with, and some name brands please? also please tell me why you have selected the brand and style. i have been told by a few people to stay away from thompsons but not told why. the deck is pressure treated lumber. green. and i live in the midwest if that makes a difference at all. how long should i wait before i do this? it has been up for about 2 weeks. it was not to wet when i built it. that is to say when i screwed the deck boards down, no water came out. we are thimking about a stain/sealer if we can....any help would be greatly appreciated.
   thom