This post was updated on April 4, 2025
I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood. My IPE Wood and Deck stain 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.
IPE Deck Staining Tips
DeckStainHelp.com has become the Internet’s go-to site for all things related to wood deck restoration. As with all types of wood surfaces, correctly prepping your IPE wood before staining it with a penetrating exotic hardwood stain is crucial. Feel free to leave a comment with pictures and any questions below!
💡 TIP: These IPE staining tips will work for all exterior hardwoods such as Mahogany, Cumaru, Merbau, etc.
What is IPE Wood?
IPE is a gorgeous Brazilian hardwood that is becoming increasingly popular for exterior wood surfaces. This extremely dense wood is naturally resistant to decay and rot, making it a durable choice that can last for decades.
When freshly cut, IPE often appears in shades of reddish-brown and exhibits rich brown color tones. However, one drawback is its tendency to turn silvery-grey over time due to UV exposure. With proper staining and maintenance, you can prevent this and retain its natural beauty.
Best IPE Staining Tips
To maximize the longevity and enhance the beauty of your IPE deck, follow these expert tips:
1. Measure and Plan
- Measure the wood surface to determine the square footage to be stained.
- Check the coverage rate of your chosen IPE deck stain to ensure you purchase the correct amount.
- Choose a stain color that complements the age and condition of your IPE wood. Color samples are available for $10 each for the top rated IPE Stains.
2. Prep the Wood Properly
Never stain IPE wood without proper preparation. Follow these steps:
- Clean the surface using a high-quality deck cleaner such as Restore-A-Deck Wood Cleaner.
- Apply a wood brightener to neutralize the cleaner and open up the wood’s pores for better stain absorption.
- Allow the wood to dry for 24–48 hours before staining.
3. Apply the Stain Correctly
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- Thoroughly mix the stain before applying.
- Use a brush, roller, pump sprayer, or airless sprayer to apply the stain evenly.
- Protect surrounding areas (plants, windows, and concrete) from stain overspray.
- Allow the stain to penetrate for several minutes, then wipe away excess stain to prevent puddling.
- Dispose of oil-soaked rags properly—soak them in water and lay them flat to dry outdoors to prevent combustion.
Maintaining an IPE wood surface can be made easy with proper IPE staining instructions. A quality IPE Wood Stain will enhance your deck’s or wood surface’s beauty while giving it lasting protection from the elements.
Note: Always follow the directions of the stain manufacturer you choose, as they differ between brands.
My Top IPE and Exotic Hardwood Stain Ratings
1. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain
2. Armstrong Clark Wood Stain
3. 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 |
Is Your IPE Deck Turning Grey?
Preventing Greying in IPE Wood
To prevent IPE wood from greying, apply a UV-resistant stain immediately after installation. Routine annual maintenance includes:
- Cleaning – Use a deck wood cleaner and gently scrub to remove oxidation, dirt, mold, and mildew.
- Sanding (if needed) – Lightly sand rough areas or splinters.
- Applying a Wood Brightener – This helps restore color and prepares the wood for staining.
- Staining with a Hardwood-Specific Formula – Use a penetrating stain containing UV inhibitors.
IPE Wood Naturally Ages from UV Exposure
When left untreated, IPE wood will naturally turn silver-grey within a few months due to sun exposure. This process is faster for decks in full sunlight.
How to Restore Greying IPE Wood
If your IPE deck has turned grey, follow these steps to restore its natural color:
- Clean & Brighten – Apply a wood cleaner, scrub gently, rinse, and follow up with a brightener.
- Allow to Dry – Ensure the wood is completely dry before staining.
- Apply a Quality IPE Deck Stain – Choose a semi-transparent penetrating stain formulated for hardwoods, such as:
- Wipe Excess Stain – IPE wood is dense and does not absorb stain like softer woods, so excess stain must be wiped off after application.
IPE and Hardwood Stained Photos
My IPE Hardwood Deck Stain Video
Final Thoughts
Consistent annual maintenance is the key to keeping your IPE deck looking fresh and preventing it from turning grey. Regular cleaning, brightening, and staining will ensure it remains protected from the elements.
Have a question? Drop a comment below, and we’d love to help! Also, check out our in-depth IPE Stain Reviews for product recommendations.
Hello! We just had ipe installed as deck railing and handrails on a waterfront home. They’ve been in place for 3 months in the PNW. Should we wait to stain for it to weather and acclimatize or stain immediately? Thanks for your helpful site!
New wood needs to weather for a few months and then prepped.
Used Armstrong Clark mahogany on ipe deck after prep (last stained with AC two years ago). Next year would like to redo for a fresher interim look (was pretty worn at two years) but don’t want to darken the mahogany. Can I use something clearer such as Penofin?
No, you have to prep all and use the same stain brand and color as prior. It will not get darker if you prep first.
I have a boat dock made of Brazilian Hardwood, part is covered part has no covering. What would be the best product to use to clean and stain the dock with? I need something that will not hurt the water in the cove and be friendly to the environment. It is 13 years old and has never been stained. The wood has greyed and where the covered roof ends it has some green mold on it. We live in the NW. corner of South Carolina.
Prep with the Restore A Deck Cleaner/Brightener kti and stain with the Restore A Deck Stain in Light Walnut:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-for-exotic-hardwoods-review/
It will look great!
Sorry, updated with the correct link now.
What is the best way to apply? Will stopping mid board affect the look?
You cannot stop mid board. Best to read the instructions for the stain you are buying. It is on their website.
Does it help to sand lightly e-pay wood before sealing to bring back that original rich color
No but you do have to prep. Post pics if you would like prep advice.
Our epi deck was unfinished for several years and needs to thoroughly cleaning before staining. I have two questions, 1. what is the best way to prep the deck? 2. what would you recommend for deck stain. We live in New England (go Bruins and Celtics!!) area.
1. Clean and Brighten with Restore A Deck prep kits.
2. The Restore A Deck Wood Stains or the Armstrong Clark Wood Stains.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Can I pressure wash Ipe in preparation for staining?
Yes, but you should use proper prep products while pressure washing.
If the desired look is the natural beautiful honey color of the original ipe on a deck, what is the difference in results (or pros/cons) between using Penofin penetrating oil vs Armstrong Clark stain vs TWP natural 1530. Also what is the difference in general between “oil” and “stain” — I feel like they are used interchangeably in the comments. We have a new deck installed 5 months ago not yet treated. It is now summer in seattle, and wondering what we need to do to get this results and the timeframe (it is starting to lighten).
TWP is not a hardwood stain so don’t use that. Oil just means oil-based. It has to be a stain or colored for UV protection. Penofin has issues with grunting dark or black and rarely last more than 3-6 months on a hardwood deck.
I purchased 2 gallons of IPE oil but only ended up using a little more than 1 gallon. Can the extra be saved for next year? or should I just dispose of it?
If unopened it should be fine for a couple of years.
Ack!
I hand sanded my grey, mostly all day sunny, 20yo IPE deck (1200sf) in Northern Virginia, with 120/220 grit paper BEFORE cleaning it, to prevent tiny splinters from getting into kids feet/hands. feels good! I need now to clean and brighten. Has had no stain on it for many years. I was given 2gals IPE Oil.
Do I have to sand again after cleaning/brightening😟? Can i use power washer? Should I use RAD or TWP stains instead? Do not want solid stain. How much do I need of everything?
LOVE LOVE LOVE this site!
You actually over sanded. Never sand outside wood finer than 80 grit as that makes it too hard for the stain to soak into the wood grain. Let is sit for a month or two and then clean and brighen for prep. Just one coat of stain. Do not sand again. Use RAD Stain for IPE.
I am trying to restore a neglected ipe deck. it had 2 different, probably incompatible stains on it. I have several concerns. I used the RAD stripper, followed by RAD neutralizer/brightener. There were “fuzzies” on the wood where it was previously too aggressively power washed. I sanded the wood to remove the fuzzies, with partial success. Do I need to wait and re-brighten before staining? I also have black streaks in some areas that are still notable despite 3 strippings and neutralizing. Is this a black mold? The wood has also cracked. Is there anything I can or should do for this? I live in central MN and the deck is on the north side of the house where mildew is quite a problem. I love the color when it is wet. Recommendations?
PS The RAD neutralizer said to wash down for 20-30 minutes, but didn’t clarify what size area that was for. I did my deck in 4 sections, rinsed each section for about 30 minutes per directions, and then realized that i’d rinsed my 13×13 ft deck for nearly 2 hours!!
The black marks look like internal water stains and will not come out. Cracks are normal on exterior wood, so just leave them as is. I would not worry about the fuzzies that much as they stain just fine. For the RAD Brighener or any brightener, apply to all wood and then spend 20-30 minutes rinsing all wood after.
Go ahead and stain.
We have two Ipe decks in the front of our home. After two years, the decks have weathered to a gray color as shown in one of the photos. You can see under the eaves nearest the front door, some of the stain remains. The other photo shows the original stain color before it turned gray. What do you recommend we do to maintain one consistent color, knowing that the exposed part of the deck will weather faster than the decking under the eaves? Do you have recommendations on how best to prep the deck to restain it and keep it that way? What products do you recommend? We live in the Pacific NW so weather may be a factor. I prefer the brownish rosewood color to the gray, but is it easier to maintain by letting it go gray?
There is no way to keep the wood all looking the same over time. it will fade unevenly over time if the UV exposure is different for some areas. IPE does require annual prep and recoating so that is your best option. Use Restore A Deck Prep Kits: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-cleaner-system-review/
and then Restore A Deck Stain in Light Walnut: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-for-exotic-hardwoods-review/
or Armstrong Clark Stain in Amber: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/armstrong-clark-hardwood-stain-review/
Thank you for the helpful information.
We had our deck powerwashed close to the wood a few days ago and plan to stain using either RAD or Armstrong. I have attached 2 photos of the deck + a 3rd photo of the porch ceiling which is the color we’d like to restore to.
A few questions please:
1) Do you think we should use RAD stripper + brightener first based on these photos? Unsure if the deck has been stained in the past.
2) As for the stain, do you have a recommendation on which color for the RAD semi-transparent stain to match picture #3? We were thinking Natural.
3) If we go with Armstrong instead, do you have a color recommendation?
Thanks!
1, It would not hurt.
2. Natural is similar to a clean wet look so that would be closest.
3. Amber
Looking for advice on next steps on prepping ipe decking. We are refinishing a neglected section of decking. So far, sprayed and scrubbed with sodium percarbonate, rinsed and 1x treated with oxalic acid. There are a lot of light spots from flower pots along one edge (photo is wet state after acid). Would it be better to apply acid one or two additional times or sand to try and blend light spots?
Is there an old stain on the deck? If so, it needs to be all stripped off and then brightened. If it is just wet, then send a picture with the wood dry.
The deck only had it’s mill finish on it and that was 10yrs+ ago. It was weathered and silver colored prior to Sunday’s treatment. This is a photo from today, after it dried.
The only way we think you can even it all out is to power sand it evenly with 60-80 grit paper.
Thanks for the advise. I just want sure if some additional acid (maybe citric) would help help prior to the sanding. I appreciate the input.
No, doubt it will but you should use a wood brightener after the sanding is done.
I have a 250 sq foot IPE deck. One year ago it was installed new and Perofin oil was used. The deck scratches very easily and when it rains it leaves water marks. It has been one year now and my IPE deck looks awful. I kind of wished I put Trex in. I am going to use Deckwise cleaner and maybe brightner. Not sure if I have to sand it with 80 grit. I was told to try Deckwise IPE oil but I am worried it will be the same as the Perofin oil. How can I get that rich IPE look without the scratch marks. It scratches so easily and do I have to do this every single year.
You need to strip and brighen for prep, not clean. Use Restore a Deck Products for prep and stain, much better.
I am using DeckWise cleaner and brightener followed by Ipe Oil on our ipe deck furniture. It has been awhile since this was done (and a hurricane in between) so it looks like it needs 2 coats. How long should we wait to apply a second coat of ipe oil?
Only one coat for IPE wood. Adding too much and it will not soak in or cure correctly.
Is there anyway to stain IPE to achieve the driftwood gray color it gets when left out in the weather untreated? We have enough IPE to build a small set of stairs in a room with with white oak flooring and are trying to get the color of the IPE to compliment the oak which has a bit of a driftwood colored wash. Thanks!
You could try a gray-tinted stain. Look at Restore A Deck semi-transparent stains.
Can you share all the steps to get my IPE decking to look exactly like image 4 (semi-transparent) and 11 (IPESidig) you have posted on your site?
Thank you
We would need to see pictures for prep help.
I applied ipe oil on my 20 year old deck made of Brazilian cherry wood after cleaning. However the are z as number of splotches mostly on area where plant pots were. Can I apply an oil based stain like minwax penetrating stain red mahogany to provide color back and eliminate splotchy areas?
No, there is not a way to fix this.
About 5 days ago my brand new beautiful IPE deck was finished. It looked like it could be in a magazine. I had a painter come to stain it in a clear coat. I didn’t want it to darken that much and he said it wouldn’t. He used TWP 1500 Clear. It’s now 3 days later and the deck is dry and is a very dark color mostly red and the stain didn’t take all the way and you can see wet spots throughout. It now looks like a cheap beat-up deck. This deck was crazy money to build and now it looks terrible. Can something be done to get it back to its original look? Can it be sanded? Will it look the same if I sanded it? I’m lost what to do. Any suggestions is much appreciated. Thanks!
Post pictures and did you weather and prep the new wood as the TWP instructions state? You do realize the TWP Clear will not protect from UV graying and that it has to be tinted otherwise it will gray in months?
Hi – My new and newly stained ipe deck surface scratches if you breathe on it. I followed all your excellent advice, used restore-a-deck to prep it,both bleach and cleaner, had enough dry days to stain, waited for a while to put furniture on it… and it seems every time something is dragged, I get a surface scratch. Some of them big and ugly. I don’t think the ipe itself is scratched, but it’s sure discouraged me from ever staining again. I keep reading you can’t scratch these decks.. but in my case it’s a mess. What did I do wrong? I used Messmer IPE hardwood natural stain.
Could be that the Messmers did not cure correctly? Post some pictures.
Here you go. Some from furniture movement, some from soap with some bleach, the big wear spot I have no idea.
sorry, pix didn’t load. Will post one at a time
bleach stain
You used “bleach”? You cannot use bleach on deck stains.
No, I did not use bleach. While pressure washing the house, the lovely gents who are painting the house dripped a little of the soap/solution which i assume includes bleach or a lightener of some kind….. I guess i used the word ‘bleach” inaccurately. This was the result. In another spot like this, prior to staining, I had similarly dripped a little of the restore-a-deck part 2 mixture that lightens the deck. That left a lightened mark like this that never smoothed out when the rest of it was done.
They used something in their cleaner that “bleached” out the deck stain.
furniture moved
It looks like you are dragging it and actually denting or gauging the wood in this picture.
yes, this was the work of lovely gents who are painting the house.
I would wait until next year and then strip and brighten all and then use a stain that is not as “soft” as the Messmers. The Defy Hardwood Stain or Restore A Deck Stain in Light Walnut.
thanks! The painters have suggested sanded and patching… but I worry that will look worse. Interesting to hear Messmer’s described as soft. Good to know, thanks!
unknown source
The same thing happened to me and yes it was cured. This is just what IPE does. I moved some furniture on it too. Penofin oil was used on my new deck. Furniture was put on the deck one month later. Also when it rained it left water marks. Its been a year now and I have to decide what to do. Someone told me to try Deckwise cleaner and brighter then their IPE oil.
I have an existing ipe deck. My question is when I am applying the penofin oil stain on the deck again, can I stain the whole deck at 160 square feet all at once and then come back after 30 min to wipe off the excess oil? Will I leave footprints trekking over the stained boards to wipe off the excess oil? Is it a better process to do a couple boards at a time so I can reach to wipe off excess without stepping on stained deck boards? My goal is to be efficient. Thanks in advance.
Apply all and then wipe excess after 30-60 minutes.
I have a mahogany deck that I just stripped and brightened with restore-a-deck product. The wood looks very light after this process. I have the restore-a-deck Natural semi-transparent stain. I’m thinking this will not darken the wood enough to that rich mahogany reddish/brown color. Would the restore-a-deck light walnut or dark walnut be better to use to get that reddish/brown look?
Normally we use the Light Walnut color for hardwoods like Mahogany.
I just had a new IPE deck built. I love the natural color. If I use IPE oil on it, it will darken significantly. If I do nothing, it will weather to grey. How do I keep the original unfinished color?
It is not possible to maintain the current natural color. You must have a tinted stain if you want to prevent UV graying and they will all enhance the natural grain based on the tint you choose.
I’m considering using IPE for my rooftop decking and siding. I’ve seem many pictures of IPE siding/decking and the look seems to vary quite a bit. I know IPE wood varies in color but I want a more consistent darker look throughout. Can I use a stain to achieve a more uniform color on IPE or will it still have lots of color variations after staining it? Thanks!
Alex C.
Los Angeles, CA
You will always get variations in color but you can choose a darker color. Try Armstrong Clark in Black Walnut.
Thanks for your response. Several contractors have told me different things about IPE staining. Mostly that you can’t stain it because the stain won’t penetrate. Which is true? Can you really stain IPE of not really?
Of course you can stain IPE as long as you have a compatible stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ipe-exotic-hardwood-stain-review/
Any contractor that said you cannot does not know what he or she is doing when it comes to IPE wood.
Got it. Can you tell me which stained was used in the first photo of the article link you posted. That’s the color I like! Thank you.
Not 100% sure of the color of that photo. Sorry.
My deck is one year old and I would like advice on prepping techniques and stain suggestions. It is a bit stained from water. Wanted to also confirm the steps and get product reco.
1. Powerwash first
2. sand
3. Apply a cleaner
4. Apply a brightener
5. Stain
I am looking for a more golden finish than the original red. Is that possible? Thank you.
You pressure wash while using the deck cleaner. Try TWP stains in Honeytone or Restore-A-Deck Stain in Natural.
We have a 2 year old unstained Ipe deck. I love the grey color but would also like to oil/stain it for longevity (and I believe it helps with wet spots/stains?)
What product should I use?
Clan and brighten for prep. Stain with Restore A Deck Stain in Light Walnut or Armstrong Clark in Amber.
Why is the Penofin hardwood stain appearing spotty? If you zoom in you’ll see some spots look dry.
It is the grain of the wood and being more absorbent there.
We aren’t done staining other side of the deck. Do you suggest re-applying to those areas where it appears to have over absorbed the stain, letting sit a few minutes then wiping?
No, it will not work to spot apply as it will not blend.
I will be installing new ipe in a month. I am doing as much research as I can but I am curious to know how long to let the Ipe “weather” before adding RAD dark walnut? I’m in PA. I assume weathering is just letting it sit before applying the finish. I plan to clean and brighten after letting it weather. Anything else I should know?
3 months to let the wood season and then clean and brighten the wood for prep. Just clean and recoat annually after.
We have an older IPE deck that we have had various finishes on. I haven’t really liked any of them. I decided to strip the deck down. I used Benjamin Moore Remove. Due to the weather I have not yet applied the Brighten. According to the pictures, what should be done to get it back to the IPE’s original color
Try Armstrong Clark in Amber color.
Do I need to sand the deck to get the power washing marks out?
That would be the only way to fix those marks. If you do sand, do it now and then let the wood sit for 1-2 months. Clean and brighten after for final prep. This will make the wood porous enough for the stain.
Thanks for your help!
Sorry, one more question…. if the stain/finish only will last for 9-12 months, could a fresh coat be applied every 6 months.
If you prep correctly first then yes.
So to prep correctly, is….?
Sorry, I need specifics. Thanks!
Clean and brighten everytime you redo.
Thanks!
We have a large IPE deck. We have stained a few times. Getting the right weather in St Louis is tough. The weather now (October ) 50 – 70 degrees and dew in the morning. How dry does the wood have to be to stain ? We need to power wash and let dry but once the dampness in the morning wears off, can we stain ? WE have two decks so one gets sun now and the other really does not. Spring time brings rain and takes longer to get warm so then it happens in summer and then too hot. Looking to sell our home before summer so thinking we should do it now.
IPE staining only lasts about 9-12 months due to the hardness of your wood. If you do it now, it may start to fade by Summer. If it were me, I would do it in the Spring. You may want to look at the RAD in Light Walnut color. It can be applied to damp wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-for-exotic-hardwoods-review/
Stripped and stained IPE deck with Flood Hardwoods stain tinted with The cedar formula. Apparently This product has been discontinued by PPG. Can I apply a water base hardwood stain by another manufacturer directly over Flood product without re stripping. If so which product?
Bill G . Breezy Point, NY
No, you will have to remove the Flood before switching brands.
I am considering replacing my cedar deck with Ipe. If I install deck in October (in Michigan) should I wait till spring to stain with one of the AC’s? Or should I prep and stain before winter sets in?
Also, in color testing the three AC stains on a piece of ‘new’ Ipe wood in my garage, will the final color be considerably different after proper prep in the field?
Wait until Spring at this point. Slightly different in colors.