This post was updated on June 25, 2024
Jump to MY Top 3 IPE Wood Stains
Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior IPE wood staining. My IPE reviews and help tips are based on my history as a wood restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing, all designed to present you with the top product choices. See here for more info about me.
My IPE Hardwood Stain Reviews
Hi, Welcome to my Deckstainhelp.com website, your source for industry insights and tips for the perfect deck stain for Exterior Hardwoods such as IPE, Mahogany, and other Brazilian decking. IPE Hardwood Stains continue to follow the same wear patterns as years before, as they require annual reapplication in most scenarios. Leave me a comment on whether you’ve used IPE hardwood stains, what type of hardwood, and what stain brand you used.
What is IPE Hardwood Decking?
IPE Stained Deck Review
IPE is one of the most common types of wood that professionals use for exterior hardwood decking. Its beautiful nature and durability explain its massive popularity. Although fairly expensive compared to cedar or pressure-treated pine, IPE, and other Brazilian hardwood decks are gorgeous when properly maintained and will not rot or decay like softwoods. IPE hardwoods can last up to a century, making them one of the greenest choices available and having the same fire rating as steel and concrete.
My Tips For IPE Hardwood Deck Staining
- Why Stain IPE Hardwood
- How To Prep and Stain IPE Hardwoods
- Inspiration? See IPE Hardwood Finished Color
- Review the Top IPE Hardwood Stain Brands
- Watch My Hardwood Review Video
- Questions on IPE Hardwood Staining Ask Me Below!
#1 Why Stain IPE Hardwood Decking
IPE and other Brazilian hardwoods are stunning when stained with an IPE Exotic Hardwood Stain. The wood grain is naturally highlighted, the wood’s beauty is enhanced, and the finished result is like no other decking wood. Water repellency and UV protection are a must to keep the exotic hardwood from graying, fading, warping, or cracking on your exterior decking.
Exotic hardwoods like IPE are extremely dense and hard to penetrate. Common deck stains should not be used on these dense hardwoods as they may not be able to soak into the wood grain. Specially formulated exotic hardwood stains are designed to dive into the dense pores of these woods to give maximum protection against UV rays and water damage. Due to the complex nature of these woods, stains will typically not last more than one year. In some cases, exotic hardwood surfaces can benefit from being cleaned and recoated every 6 months. This is just the nature of exotic hardwoods.
Preserving these expensive woods is a must to retain their beauty, and using a semi-transparent finish will enhance the wood grain as if it were wet. This makes the wood grain pop and makes for an eye-catching wood surface. IPE Exotic Hardwood Stains can be used on decks, fences, wood railings, and any hardwood furniture that is previously untreated.
IPE Exotic Hardwood Stains, such as Restore-A-Deck, TWP Natural Effect Hardwood Stain, and Armstrong Clark Hardwood Colors, are low VOC compliant and can be shipped to all 50 states.
#2 IPE Prep and Stain Tips
Even with a quality hardwood Ipe deck stain, yearly maintenance is still necessary. That’s just the nature of the beast when dealing with an Ipe deck. Maintenance can be done by lightly washing the deck with a wood deck cleaner and allowing it to dry. As mentioned above, a thin maintenance coat of the same Ipe deck stain can be applied.
When applying an IPE stain, ensure that only as much of the stain as the wood will absorb. Do not over-apply, as we have found that this will lead to a sticky mess and failure of teh deck stain.
Ipe wood makes for some of the most beautiful decks, but they require a little more maintenance than other types of wood decking. Using the proper hardwood deck stain will give you better lasting results.
#3 IPE and Hardwood Photo Gallery
Are you not sure what color you want for your IPE? Check out our IPE photo gallery. The color name and brand are below each picture.
#4 My Top-Rated IPE Hardwood Stains
1. Restore-A-Deck IPE Stain Rating
- My favorite IPE Hardwood stain is it can be prepped and stained on the same day.
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain can be applied to dry or damp wood. Applying it to damp wood allows you to prep and stain on the same day, saving you a tremendous amount of time. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain is an advanced, water-based, semi-transparent stain formulation designed to penetrate deep into wood pores for maximum protection and longevity. It protects the wood from harmful UV rays and damage caused by water penetration.
Stain Type: Penetrating Semi-Transparent Water-Based. Full Curing Damp Application Stain.
Consumer Star Ratings:
DeckStainHelp.com Rating (On a scale of 1-10): 8.625
See My Review Article Here: Restore-A-Deck IPE Wood Stain Review
2. Armstrong Clark IPE Stain Rating
- My favorite IPE and Hardwood oil-based penetrating wood stain.
A high-solid pigmented finish made from heavy and light-bodied oils specially formulated for application on unpainted hardwoods. Heavy-bodied oils provide water repellency. Extra pigments enhance color retention on hardwoods. Light-bodied oils combined with solvent penetrate into the wood. Armstrong’s Semi-Transparent Hardwood Finishes repel water, retain color longer, and reduce the frequency of recoats on maintenance-intensive hardwoods.
Stain Type: Penetrating Semi-Transparent, Oil-Based. Paraffin and Curing Oil Blend. Full Curing Stain. 3 Exotic Hardwood colors: Amber, Mahogany, and Black Walnut
Consumer Star Ratings:
DeckStainHelp.com Rating (On a scale of 1-10): 8.60
See My Review Article Here: Armstrong Clark Hardwood Stain Review
3. TWP Natural Effect IPE Stain Rating
- My longest-lasting IPE and Hardwood stain!
TWP® Natural Effect utilizes state-of-the-art European waterborne technology and is designed to revolutionize exterior wood maintenance while significantly enhancing performance!
Spend more time enjoying your investment and less time maintaining it with TWP Natural Effect.
Natural Effect is superior to beautifying and protecting your exterior wood investment!
Stain Type: Penetrating Semi-Transparent Water-Based. 6 hardwood colors: Chestnut, Teak, Walnut, Dark Walnut, Black ebony, and Mahogany
Consumer Star Ratings:
DeckStainHelp.com Rating (On a scale of 1-10): 9.2
See My Review Article Here: TWP Natural Effect Hardwood Stain Review
#1 Best Hardwood Deck Stain | #2 Best Hardwood Deck Stain | #3 Best Hardwood Deck Stain |
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From: $47.99 *Free Shipping | From: $79.99 *Free Shipping | From: $99.99 *Free Shipping |
#5 My IPE Hardwood Deck Stain Video
Like videos? Watch my video about IPE hardwood stains and what to use.
#6 Questions on IPE Hardwood Staining?
Are you still unsure how to prep or stain your IPE hardwood and what stain brand or type to use? Please ask below if you still have questions about staining IPE wood and how to do it. I am glad to assist you.
Dear Scott,
I didn’t see any discussions about Red Balau but given its similarity to Ipe, here we go!
My small deck info:
Age: 10 years old
Location: Southern California, Los Angeles area (Altadena)
Sun exposure: full morning, 2/3 afternoon (deck faces East)
Wood: Red Balau
Previous stain: None, contractor never put anything
I am planning to restore the deck myself as few boards started to split and cup, all boards grayed and splinters are everywhere.
Thanks for any and all suggestions.
Alex
-Planning to flip the boards so the UV protected underside showing original color is up. Any drawbacks here? We are not fans of this as you will most likely have joist stains that will not come out. You will also need to weather this as new wood for at least 3-4 month and then prep.
Sand, clean, and then apply RAD stain in a suitable tint. What you recommend to approximately match Red Balau? You are enhancing the natural grain, not matching. Try Light Walnut color or you can get samples from the RAD website.
Thanks for the suggestions. It didn’t even cross my mind the marks left by the joists on the underside of the boards, I am glad you shared that know how. Much appreciated.
We are about to install a new garapa deck and wanted to retain the honey golden color as much as possible. Do you have any recommendations for sealers, oils or stains to use for this as we don’t want to wood to darken to a reddish deeper brown color? Thank you!
Look at Natural color from Restore A Deck Stains or Amber color from Armstrong Clark stains.
Great will try samples, thanks! Would the TWP Natural Effect in Teak color be a good option as well for Garapa?
Yes, works great!
I’ve always used Penofine for my Brazilian Redwood deck. My contractors want me to use Google stain. Any thoughts?
What is Google stain? Penofin hardwood stain does not last and turns dark in color: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/penofin-exotic-wood-stain-review/
I am looking for the best IPE finish after cleaning and sanding a four year old Ipe deck. These brands mention different types of oils are used without mentioning specifically the names of the oils. I am wondering how a tung oil stain like Nova Exoshield or just tung oil would compare to Armstrong Clark and if Armstrong Clark contains tung or linseed oil.
Tung oil by itself is useless. No UV protection and will attract mold and mildew. You need a proper semi-transparent stain.
I used your Mahogany stain on my Epi, but too much was used, I wiped off as much off as possible, but it still is not drying & puddles a bit. It is an enclosed screened porch in NC. How can I take more off, what can I use without getting completely frustrated and stained myself. Thank you. Fran on 6-26-23
Not sure what you mean by “your” stain? If it does not fully and cure in a week or so you will need to fully remove and start over.
I stripped & brightened a portion of my deck today. Do I need to redo the areas that are still blackish? The wood is IPE.
That is old stain (probably Penofin) that did not fully come off when stripping. You will need to restrip and brighten. Use a pressure washer when stripping to help.
i have a mahogany deck and have only used Penofin Brazilian Rosewood Oil to treat and maintain it. i have done it annually for the past 9 years. I too have experienced the darkening of the wood, typically within the summer following the application. I have always used the Penofin restorer and brightener when prepping for the Oil Is there a better option to restoring and then maintaining my deck
Yes, strip and brighten with Restore A Deck Products and then stain with the Restore A Deck stain in Light walnut color: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-for-exotic-hardwoods-review/
Hello. I have an IPE deck. In the past, we have used Penofin oil on it. It only looks good for about 4 months before turning gray. Seems like too much work for 4 months! I’ve been reading your articles and comments. Is there much difference between the AC & RAD products? The water based RAD sounds nicer to use and the fact I can apply when wet is a plus, so leaning towards that option. I need to strip & brighten before staining, correct? If I want as close to the natural colour as possible, which stain do you recommend?
(Other info: we live in northern Virginia, parts of the deck is mostly shaded while other parts are in the sun about 8 hours a day.)
Thank you so much for your help.
Try the RAD Stain in Natural Pine or Light Walnut. Strip and brighten to remove the Penofin that has become black or dirty,
Thank you!
May I ask one more question? My deck with steps is about 1140SF. Will one strip / brighten kit be enough (5 gal each)? And, since it is IPE — very dense — how many gallons RAD stain will I need?
You will need two kits of the prep most likely. For the RAD Stain, 5-6 gallons should cover the 1 coat of IPE wood.
I have a mahogany t&g porch floor on my covered front porch. I have used timber oil for years. It always looks dirty and dull and flat. I was the gorgeous look it could offer.
What should I do to change to one of the products you recommend . Should I sand? Which product would be best. Thank you.
Strip and Brighten the wood with Restore A Deck Kits. Stain with Restore A Deck Stain in Light Walnut or Armstrong Clark Hardwood Stain colors.
Hi Scott – mahogany deck and have used the attached stain for 10 years – 2 years they stopped making it – any other brand you could recommend and do I have to strip it (hope not) –
Yes, you have to strip and brighten. It will be easy. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener kits. As for the new stain, see here for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ipe-exotic-hardwood-stain-review/
Hi, I have a year one deck that I built using Tigerwood. The supplier that I purchased the wood from said I should use Deckwise Ipe oil in natural on it. I cleaned the deck and applied the oil and instead of the stunningly rich color of the tigerwood it made my deck look brown. I have ready about Penofin Architectural Grade Transparent Hardwood Coating but I have not seen too many reviews on it. I just would like to get my deck back to the way it looked when I built it. Any advice would be appreciated.
Strip and brighen for prep to remove the IPE Oil. You cannot maintain the color that you had after it was built as you need a tinted stain for UV protection and that means you will enhance the grain of the wood. IPE Oil is very brown. Penofin will turn black on you after 6-9 months so don’t use that. Try Restore A Deck stain in Natural Tint or Armstrong Clark Stain in Amber.
Thank you for the response.
Hi There –
I recently purchased a home and looking to make improvements to my damaged hardwood outdoor deck. I am looking to bring my hardwood deck back to its original color which is exactly what is shown in the attached image.
What stain should I use to accomplish this?
Thank you in advance for any guidance you can provide!
Use Restore A Deck Stains in Light Walnut color. Make sure to prep first.
I am about to install Ipe Rainscreen siding and Jatoba decking and have read through everything here. Am I not supposed to apply anything to the IPE or Jatoba until it sits after install? I was going to coat three sides of the decking as I separate the boards and place on 1x material to acclimate and then apply the deck surface coat once it is installed. I was going to coat all of the IPE siding before installing it as well. I’d like the best color retention I can get as well as ease of recoat in the future. I also like the dark and uniform colored IPE siding I see on all these expensive homes when you Google it. What is the process I should use to coat everything? Can I coat before install? Do I need to run a cleaner or brightener before the initial staining. Really trying to get a rich deep color.
Weather after install for 3 months and then prep with a deck cleaner and wood brightener. Stain only the exposed wood with one coat of the stain. No need to coat all sides. Try Restore A Deck Stain in Light Walnut or Dark Walnut.
Building a new house in western Massachusetts in the Berkshire mountains. The builder has installed Angelic Wood decking. It is a very hard wood and gets constant direct sun. The structural posts are Doug Fir. The builder initially applied a coat of Australian oil which was recommended. It has already faded out with the sun and the wood looks very dry. What stain would you recommend for this deck?
Try Restore A Deck Stains or Defy Hardwood. Make sure to prep well to remove the ATO stain.
Would you use Restore A Deck Cleaner or Stripper or Both to remove/prep the deck and the ATO?
RAD Stripper and the Brightener.
We live in Cleveland, Ohio and just had a set of uncovered, Ipe steps built on our back patio (in September). I understand we have to weather the wood before staining, but because of the weather here and time of year that we are starting the weathering process, we won’t be able to clean, brighten and stain realistically until May at the earliest which will be 8-9 months. I’m worried the wood will be very gray by then.
We love the current dark look of the new wood. Will a cleaner/brightener/stain bring it back close to the original color even if we have to wait 9 months before doing it? Also, can you recommend a color that will bring it back close to the original “unweathered” color at that point? We were planing to use AC, unless you recommend something else for our conditions. Thanks!
You are fine to wait and the prep will remove the gray. You cannot achieve the current “unweathered” color with a stain and have it stay that way. The stain must be tinted for UV protection so the color will be enhanced. AC Amber is close to a clean wet look color.
Now husband is considering RAD instead of AC because RAD could also be used on a teak table we have. If you could suggest a RAD color for the ipe that would resemble the original unweathered color as well it would be appreciated.
It is not possible to resemble the unweathered color with a deck stain and have UV protection. They will all enhance the grain.
We recently installed an IPE deck. I want to oil it so that it keeps its natural color. I was going to buy IPE oil, but i see you don’t have tha5 listed as one of the top items. Can you tell me why?
You cannot stain the new IPE yet. Need to weather 3-4 months and then prep. We are not fans of IPE Oil. Too dark and does not last as long as the other brands.
We have a 5 year old ipe deck. We have always used ipe oil as recommended by the supplier of the ipe. We get a lot of sun and the ipe oil does not last long. I worry about using another product that may peel like some stains do. Are any of these products similar to the ipe oil as far as application and initial results? Also, every spring we must pressure wash and scrub. Do any of these products make that process any easier annually? Thank you!
No easier but some will last a little longer. Try the Restore A Deck Stain in Light Walnut.
Hi – I have an IPE deck that was installed and stained in March 2020. I would like to re-stain it but with a different, darker color (thinking of AC black walnut or rustic brown). What’s the process for this? Also, should I stick to the hardwood stains as opposed to semi-transparent?
You have to use a hardwood color so the Rustic Brown would not work. Use the Black Walnut.
Thanks! and to confirm, does the original stain need to be removed or can it be applied over it?
You will need to remove it. Strip and brighten for prep. Use Restore A Deck Kits.
Where do I buy a product to do a brand new Mahogany deck? I need it for tomorrow!
Check with the listed brand names websites above. You will not find anything decent at Home Depot or Lowes.
I have wood loungers that are five years old made of Tazalam wood (a Mexican wood similar to mahogany or Ipe I think). They have a water based stain and sealer on them from two years ago, and I’m considering the RAD strip, clean, and stain process. Which color do you recommend to maintain the reddish tones in the wood? The light walnut looks a bit golden. OR would you suggest the Armstrong Clark in Mahogany? Does the Armstrong Clark semi transparent stain allow for a damp application like the RAD process so that I could complete the project in one day? Thank you!
Use light walnut color. It is a reddish brown color, not golden. Better to use the RAD stain over the AC on furniture as AC says not to use on furniture. For prep help, send some pictures.
So so helpful. Thanks very much, and stay well 😉
I’ve used Ready Seal on our Ipe deck three times now: Nov 2019, when new; Apr 2020; Nov 2020. It looked great when stained, but after 6 months it gets very faded. I hand applied the oil base product with a sheep wool type applicator, applying a thin even coat. I had no issues with it not drying. I like that all I need to do is clean. before resealing, or eventually doing a brightener.
I’d like to find something that will hold up longer. We are elevation of 3100′. Very hot 90+ degree summers and cold and some snow in winter. Do you have experience with any of these three products on this page lasting longer, and still being relatively easy to re-apply?
I’m told that the lighter colored stains don’t have much UV protection ability.
All above will last longer than Ready Seal and can be cleaned and reapplied as needed. Daker colors will take longer to fade. Try Restore A Deck in Light Walnut or Armstrong Clark in mahogany.
I’m confused…. I looked at the User instructions for Armstrong Clark:
“USE:For older unpainted wood surfaces such as: decks, siding, shakes and shingles, fences, and log homes where color retention, water repellency and wood conditioning are the desired goal. NOT for new wood less than 1 year old. NOT for sitting surfaces nor furniture. NOT for exotic hardwoods.
They have 3 colors specifially made for hardwoods and IPE. Amber, Mahogany, and Black Walnut.
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/wood-and-decking-stains/hardwood-and-ipe-stain
I have ( 2) 3 year old Mahogany decks. It was stained 3 years ago with Behr deck stain(garbage). I redid the deck with the restore-a-deck system, cleaner, brightener and stain. Once it was done with in a few days we noticed all the grain on the wood standing up. I sent restore-a-deck the question and they said its because the wood oxidized.
At the same time I had a brand new piece of mahogany I made a hand rail out of. Didn’t do any prep and used the same stain. It did the same thing to the grain. So I know it was not the cleaning process but the stain.
So 2 questions, how do I get the surface smooth again and what other product should I use on my other deck. I just cleaned the deck with the restore-a-deck cleaner and brightener but scared to use their stain.
Thanks,
Paul
A deck stain cannot raise the grain so that is not the cause. There is nothing in there that would do this. No penetrating semi-transparent stain will be any different.
so whats the problem and answer. If it is oxidation what causes it and how to remedy
It is normal with a penetrating stain for the wood to be slightly “rough” so it does not actually need a fix. Exterior deck wood is not supposed to be smooth or coated with a filming coating that smooths it out like a hardwood floor. It is supposed to have surface “texture” to it and actually helps the stain to absorb better and therefore have a longer life.
Well the grain is up high enough to cause splinters. Is there something better to use, like a penetrating oil
This is a penetrating stain and being oil or water-based does not make a difference. You could always lightly sand off the splinters with 60-80 grit paper and a pole sander and then apply the stain.
Armstrong Clark is the only one of your 3 top-rated stains for mahogany that is oil-based; other two are water-based. And Armstrong Clark is only sold online. Is there another comparable OIL-BASED IPE stain that’s sold retail, i.e. so I can go pick it up and not pay $$$ for shipping? Sure hope so. I’m finding your product reviews immensely helpful. Thank!