Hello all,
I’ve just built a new Redwood deck in a foggy area of San Francisco, and wonder whether it needs to be sanded before finishing it with a sealer. It’s all fresh redwood, and has been laid down for a few weeks now, so it’s no longer pink. It’s a nice, warm orangy color, and I’d like to keep it that way.
Does anyone know a good sealer that can put up with fog, rain, rare bright sunlight and heat, and keep a redwood deck from graying? Is it necessary to sand the deck before sealing it?
Thanks for the help,
Rob
Replies
Hi Rob,
I live in Tracy and just finished building a new Redwood deck.
I finished it with Pentofin stain and sealer in the redwood tone. Looks awesome,You can find this at Home Depot.
Good luck,
Dick38
Hey Rob,
Just finished a deck in Walnut Creek for my brother. Did exactly the Penofin deal already suggested. But 6 mos ago. Let it weather for 6 mos. Then applied the Penofin Marine Oil. Read the instructions, as this is a product which must be applied, then let soak for 20-30 minutes, then ragged off by hand, much like a wiping stain. I was able to do about 10 boards at a time. It's tedious, but I'll do it again next year, and then we should be good for 5 year intervals.
The Marine Oil is formulated for boats, so it would be my first choice for the climate in SF.
One of my brother's friends asked me, "Is that Thompson's Water Seal" and I got to say, "No, actually, that's hand rubbed Bolivian rosewood oil", "Oh, my decks look like crap compared to this". It's worth the effort.
Hope this helps.
skipj
I do landscape const. in the Davis area. As long as your decking is already surfaced and not rough redwood, sanding is not necessary.. We use Preservawood brand penetrating oil stain, similar to Penofin. It comes in several different colors; we usually use the "Redwood" color. Don't get to attatched to that red/orange color; sun and rain bleach and leach the surface tannins out of the wood. Preservawood has UV inhibitors, but it's still a losing battle. Retreat every couple of years - article in FH about 6 mo. ago regarding just that. The only way to bring back that color is by pressure washing and/or sanding. The surface greying is only on the surface. We usually use belt sanders.
Thanks all! I'll try the Penofin at the Depot. Not having to sand is a welcome note; I wasn't looking forward to it. The deck's not so big so 10 boards at a time should get done in a day.
Rob
Hey Rob.
How did it go?
skipj
Went well, thx. Water seems to bead up pretty good on some parts more than others; we'll see what it looks like this time next year.
I'll have to take some pictures once I get the rest of the sprinklers and lawn in. Stay tuned!