We installed approx 850 sq ft of Ipe deck around our house 2 years ago. We’ve applied an oil finish several times, and continue to fight with dust and dirt “staining” the deck. Typical soap & water cleanings do not remove the dirt marks. Bleach water or power washing helps but not completely, plus most of the dirt marks remain. The only solution to getting back to the rich coloring that is one of the key advantages of this wood is to apply another coat of oil. Then the cycle starts all over again. The oil we use is Penofin Penetrating Oil finish – Sierra Brazilian Rosewood Oil.
When we discussed this problem with the installer, he said “it’s a deck, it’s going to get dirty”. While I accept it will get dirty, I expect to be able to clean it fairly easily. I think part of the cause of the problem is that we have a gravel driveway, so it’s pretty easy to track dust and dirt onto the deck. Also, I speculate that we have not put sufficient muscle power into rubbing the deck down after applying the oil as recommended by the oil finish manufacturer – so the oil finish remains tacky which makes the dirt stick to it. The deck is too large though to rub down manually.
We’ve put 6 separate coats of oil on it in the past 2 years so it is presentable for guests – that’s 4 times more than I expected when we had the deck installed. Do you have any suggestions on what we can do to minimize the dirt sticking on the deck or at least make it easier to clean off? My latest idea is to rent a buffing machine and use it after applying the next coat – what do you think about that?
Replies
That's a lot more oil than I would expect or use. Mayb ethe excess oil itself is attracting excess dirt.
If you can find or attract the attention of, or search for Pro-Dek here in this forum, he has posted in the past a very specific cleaning and treatment schedule that might help you.
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