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.
- Always prep IPE wood properly by cleaning with a quality deck cleaner like Restore-A-Deck Wood Cleaner and applying a wood brightener before staining.
- Allow IPE wood to dry for 24 to 48 hours after cleaning and brightening before applying any stain.
- Wipe away excess stain after application since IPE is extremely dense and will not absorb stain like softer woods, preventing puddling.
- Apply a UV-resistant penetrating stain immediately after installation to prevent IPE wood from turning silvery-grey within months.
- Consistent annual maintenance, including cleaning, brightening, and staining, is the key to keeping your IPE deck protected and looking its best.
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: $51.99 *Free Shipping | From: $83.99 *Free Shipping | From: $99.99 *Free Shipping |
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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.
We had a “professional” stain our IPE deck. He used a roller soaked in the stain, left puddles of the stain, did not wipe it off and told us the stain needed to stay for a few days until it dried. He did this also on a very humid and rainy day (the deck is under cover). The deck is now an ice rink so we need to start over and get the slippery and sticky stuff off of the deck. Any suggestions on how to do that? We have tried mineral spirits and other products and nothing is helping.
You probably have to remove it all by stripping and even sanding down to the bare wood. What brand of stain and post a picture.
I see that you generally recommend applying Restore-A Deck stain to damp wood but this article states one should allow ipe wood to dry for a day or two before applying. I have pressure-treated vertical risers and supporting posts and ironwood decking and rails. Should I let the whole thing dry for a day or two before application or do the uprights first on damp wood and then do the ironwood?
Just do it all to dry wood.
Let the wood dry before application even if I am following the use of restore-a-deck brightener and using restore-a-deck semitransparent stain? The restore-a-deck site says to apply when the deck is still damp.
You can do dry or damp wood.
We just installed our ipe deck in may. And used oil because that’s what I was told was what you do. Now its July and it is dulling up everywhere. is it normal after 2 months for this to happen with oil. And I’m guessing your recommendation is to stain it. Which leads to when can I strain if I oiled it 2 months ago? Or is there no difference in wear time between oil and stain
You need a stain, not oil. You will have to strip off the oil first.
I have Ipe wood decorative siding on my house and it’s very hard to maintain.
I’d like to paint it with Marine paint so that I can hose it down and minimize maintenance.
Can anyone suggest the right process? Products?
You cannot paint IPE, it will peel within a year. Best to continue with a penetrating stain that can be cleaned and recoated annually. https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
We are looking to stain an ipe deck it is currently a grey color due to pressure washing and not treating for 3 years. What is the best way to treat and fix this??
Prep with Restore A Deck Cleaner/Brightener Kits. Stain with one of these stain brands for IPE: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ipe-exotic-hardwood-stain-review/
Hello,
I am installing brand new ipe wood fence and wall cover. Do I have to prep brand new IPE ? I want to give the cherry color look, I don’t like the dark brown color, I want to have brown cherry look. what is the best way to maintain that color ? please I need help. I am spending around 26k I want to give the gorgeous look which I am looking for.
Once again my goal is to have light and dark cherry ( that’s based on the cut of the IPE wood)
please help
I live California Los Angeles.
can you please let me know the steps that I must take to do the prep and reach the color I am dreaming for.
Yes, you have to weather and prep new IPE. Maybe Armstrong Clark in Mahogany color.
I am about to clean and restain my ipe deck. Last year my grandmother was over with her walker and a pebble was stuck in the leg of it and made a long scratch across the deck spanning about 15 ft from the stairs of the deck to the door. What’s the best way to address this? Can I just spot sand it on the boards were the scratch is? should I use an orbital sander or can I just hand sand the boards in the spot where the scratches are? what grit am I looking at here or does it really matter so long as the scratches come out? Thanks for your help.
If you spot sand it will show up even worse when you stain. There is really no easy way to fix this. If it is a must, spot sand now then let the wood naturally weather for 3-6 months. This will even out the porosity of the wood where you sanded. Clean and brighten the wood for prep and then stain.
I am in the process of making two large patio tables out of 3 X 8 IPE wood. I put IPE oil on the top of one of the tables and some of the color has come out very brown and some of the boards are more redish brown. While I like both a lot my son and daughter in law like the brown and the redish brown not so much. I am making the tables for them so want them to like the coloring a lot. The tables themselves came out great using IPE wood.
Is it possible to put a brownish stain over recently applied IPE oil?
No, you cannot stain over IPE Oil.
I will be sanding the IPE deck first as it does need it. What chemical should I use first before putting Armstrong Clark stain on. It has been 3 years since last stain with Armstrong stain.
Use a deck cleaner and a wood brightener.
Can you leave a Brazilian Wood deck without stain after powerwashing
It will not be protected and it will gray in a matter of months.
What is the best oil based stain to use on a Brazilian Wood deck
Try this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/armstrong-clark-hardwood-stain-review/
We have a 17 year old pie deck that some moron stained with a water based stain!!!!
Can you suggest a process to refurbish the deck?
Thanks
Picture, please of the current condition.
Photo from today
Thanks
Strip and brighten the wood for the prep. Stain with Armstrong Clark in one of their hardwood colors.
Thanks for the fast response. Sorry I did not respond sooner.
As soon as I find a suitable contractor I will be ordering the stripper and brightner along with theAC stain.
My deck is approximately 500 ft2. How much of each would you estimate?
Thanks
TD
About 3 gallons of stain. If using RAD prep products, you will need one of each Stripper and Brightener.
Did I see a recommendation for a particular stain type and color for use on IPE decking?
If so, I cannot locate,
Thanks
AC comes in 3 hardwood colors: Amber, Mahogany, Black Walnut.
Photos attached
When cleaning IPE Brazilian hardwood should I also brighten it afterwards like I would a Pressure Treated pine?
Yes, to neutralize the cleaner.
Ok thank you very much
We had an ipedeck installed about 1.5 years ago that has frayed and we want to restore the natural wood color. We plan to clean and brighten using the Restore a deck or Messmers product. But don’t know what to use for the restoration. I assume we want to use an oil based product but would appreciate guidance on what to use. Is there a difference between Ipe Oil and the Armstrong Clark stain products? Thank you so much for the guidance.
If you want oil-based, use the Armstrong Clark. It has the best overall reviews and feedback. Better than Ipe Oil.
One more clarification question. What are the pros/cons of using oil vs. water-based stain on Ipe decking? Thank you so much!
If you are using high-end brands, then they are all good. Restore-A-Deck Stain and Defy Hardwood are water-based and work very well for IPE. Actually holds color better and with less chance of mildew. They can be cleaned and recoated as needed.
IPE wood does require an annual clean and recoat.
Yes- it’s worth it for such a beautiful product. Thank you for your assistance!
I completely stained my entire Ipe deck last year and now want to apply a maintenance coat to even out some faded areas. I probably need to do a light cleaning to get off some mildew and grime. Any suggestions on how to prep without stripping the stain while having the maintenance coat be absorbed by the wood?
You have to prep when doing a maintenance coat and it is normal that some of the current stain will come off. That is okay if you are using the same brand and color as last time. It will blend. Use Restore A Deck Cleaner Kits.
Should you back oil or stain Ipe?
I have a large IPE deck that is 10 years old, we sealed/stained it with a dark color (not sure of brand or whether it was oil-based or water-based). We kept it up for a few years, but now we would like to just let it turn grey. What do you recommend to remove all the stain off the deck? Do we need to sand it (we were told not to sand the IPE)? And after removing the stain, would we just leave it alone at that point, or do we need a clear sealer to protect it? Thanks for your help!
Best to remove it all. Sand or strip. Posting a picture would help determine the best way to prep. IPE doesn’t rot so no need to seal when done. Just let the wood gray naturally.
I refinished my Ipe deck yesterday and today we ended up with cold overcast skies. I used Wolman F&P, which is the same as 3 years ago. The moisture is graying the finish before its had a chance to dry. Any suggestions? Am I doomed to have to do the entire process all over again? If so, can I switch to the Defy?
You will need to sand off with a power sander 1005 to fix this. After that is done, lightly clean for the final prep before switching to the Defy Hardwood.
Drats!! Not familiar with sander, but will look it up. Thank you so much for your reply.
About to install new Ipe wood on exterior wall (shiplap siding) do i need to install it, let the new wood season for a few months, and then clean and brighten for prep before applying the Ipe oil? also do i apply the oil on top of the Ipe or should i take it down to apply oil and re-install it?
Install, wait a few months, prep, and then stain is the correct way.
We just installed an Ipe wood porch and used Ipe Oil on it but dirt seems to stick to it! We carefully sanded it and wiped it down before applying the oil. It took the oil several days to dry and we had to eventually wipe it down in a few spots. Our problem is that now the dirt seems to stick to the Ipe. What did we do wrong?
New wood cannot be stained right away as it is not porous enough to accept the stain. Did you let the new wood season for a few months and then clean and brighten for prep?
It seasoned for about 3 months before sealing. I know it was sanded and cleaned but don’t know about the brighten step.
We had a horizontal ipe fence installed and the stain they applied is not lasting very long. They used some over the counter product that is not a hardwood specific stain. What is best process to prepare fence to apply correct stain and what stain is recommended?
Strip and brighten for the prep. Stain with Armstrong Clark in one of their Hardwood colors.
We have have a covered porch with about 700 sq ft of ipe and is now four years old. It has been restored twice with a stain manufactured by Woodrich-Brand. The color when restored looks great but we believe it has not lasted as long as it should given that the porch is covered and shaded by oaks. What is the best ipe stain you recommend?
IPE requires annual maintenance. When covered you may get slightly longer. Try Defy Hardwood stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/defy-hardwood-stain-review-2014/
We just purchased Tigerwood for the top railing of our deck. The salesman said because it is a hard wood we should seal it right away instead of waiting until next spring. We don’t want it to gray. Is this correct or should we wait. We are thinking of using Messmers UV for hardwood in a natural color. Thank you
You have to let it weather and the prep will remove any graying. Do in Spring.
Just installed Ipe on my small covered front porch. I love the variety of tones that it has when it’s just wet. What is the best product to use to achieve this look, but also keep it from turning gray? Are there any truly clear finishes that offer substantial UV protection? Thank you!
Clear = no UV protection from graying and also will not give a wet look. Try Armstrong Clark in Amber or Defy Hardwood in Natural Pine tint.
What a great resource, thank you for these great articles!
I have a covered, screened porch with Ipe flooring that gets exposed to rain and snow around the perimeter and direct sun on two sides.
What will happen if I don’t finish the ipe? Am I cutting it’s life short? If so, how much will I lose by not finishing it?
I Dont mind the grey look and prefer to not use any chemicals as I have a small child that plays and sometimes eats off of the floor.
Would it be an option to wait 4-5 years to apply a finish after my daughter has grown up a bit? Would that extends it’s life or would it either be too little too late or too late to apply a finish at all.
Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Thank you again for this great resource!
Try Defy Hardwood Stain. It is eco-safe and easy to maintain. Better to start maintaining now than later.
what is the best stain for redwood railings?
Try TWP 1500 Series.
I am installing brand new Ipe tiles (2′ by 2′) soon and want to stain some of them using a semitransparent black stain (Armstrong Clark black walnut) to create a pattern in the deck. How long do I wait to apply Ipe oil over the stained tiles? Also, how many days after installation should I wait to apply Ipe oil to the unstained Ipe tiles? Do they need to “age” first? Thank you – this forum is a great resource.
You cannot apply IPE Oil over a deck stain like the AC. No reason to and it will not soak in. Yes, the IPE should weather for a few months before prepping (deck cleaner and pressure washing) and staining.
STEPS SO FAR
1. Used Sherwin Williams Stain and Sealer Remover….It did “pretty well” but just a little blotchy and there was some pressure washing damage so I decided to sand it.
2. Sanded with 120 Grit
QUESTIONS NOW
1. I resanded a couple of areas with 80 grit where I had previously sanded with 120. I am no difference in how it takes the stain at all. And am thinking that maybe I am okay. Thoughts?
2. SW Stain and Sealer Remover says that you MUST USE REVIVE PRODUCT TO BRIGHTEN AND NEUTRALIZE after using REMOVAL. I tested REVIVE product and I think it lightens the wood too much and prefer the way the wood looks without it. Is it bad if I skip this step to keep the wood darker looking?
Thank you, I am hoping to work on deck today….hoping for quick response, but realize that is a lot to hope for.
1, You have to sand it evenly with the same girt or the stain will be blotchy.
2. You have to brighten to neutralize the stripper or you will have issues going forward with the stain. No way around this.
Oops, should have checked here first. Just sanded my HUGE IPE (not pipe) deck with 120 grit. Do I need to resand it with 80 grit??? Arghhh, not sure knees and back can take it.
It would be easier to let it sit for about a month now. After the month, go over the deck with a deck cleaner and pressure washer. This will open up the wood grain for your stain.
Hello, We had an Ipe wood deck installed in July. It is in full exposure to everything – all day sun, rain and snow. I would like it not to turn grey – I really like the rich color (especially when it is wet). Nothing has been applied to the wood. I have read here that I should wait 4 – 12 months before doing anything. Due to weather here, I may not be able to do anything till next Spring/Summer. I think I’ve already noticed some greying from the sun. So here are my questions:
1) If I wait that long, will I lose the rich color I want to maintain?
2) Do I need to do anything to the deck/wood before applying a coating?
3) Would the Deckwise Ipe Oil or Olympic Maximum clear waterproofing sealant (what I can easily pick up locally) be good or do you recommend something else? One with a color stain?
4) I’ve read that the oil should be applied and then any excess wiped off. How do you do this? Can you walk over the wet deck or do you apply foot by foot (roll/paint on, wipe, roll/paint on wipe, etc.)?
I’m sorry if these are really dumb questions. I just don’t have a clue and want to protect my new deck.
Thank you
1. No. After prep you will restore the wood.
2. Clean and brighten the wood for the prep.
3. Use Armstrong Clark in Amber hardwood color.
4. The AC is not back wiped. Just apply and let dry.
My deck is made of IPE and is over 20 years old with no issues except when I stained last year with Penofin red label, it turned very dark using a red cedar color. Any thoughts why and how to avoid this the next time I stain? I stain every two years after power washing and light sanding
Hi there!
I have a realist my small porch and the builder used IPE for the flooring. I pressure washed it the other day and left some pressure marks in some areas (Whoops). Can I sand the flooring to get the marks out before I restain? If so what grit would you recommend?
Do the marks show when wet with water? Picture, please.
Yes, just a little darker. We were trying to clean the wood prior to staining.
You still have old stain showing. Best to strip and brighten this to give it a more uniform appearance. Try the RAD Stripper/Brightener products. Only sand lightly if needed after.
builder put a coat of helmsman varnish on my IPE railing already. How do I remove this so that I can then apply a penetrating oil finish?
You will need to power sand to remove this.
I have the same issue with the railing which I believe is ironwood/IPE which was sealed with some sort of marine varnish and it is failing badly. I’ve sanded it with 80 grit to bare wood. Was thinking about going to 120 grit before finishing but I’ve noted you don’t advise that.
Do I need to do anything after sanding before applying a penetrating oil finish?
Also what is the difference between IPE oil, AC amber/Mahogany, Defy? Defy looks like it water based (that’s what it says on their web site) so that makes me think it won’t work well.
So I’m thinking either IPE oil or AC and I’ve seen a number of complaints here about IPE not holding up all that well.
IPE requires annual cleaning and recoating that is why it is best to use a penetrating stain that can be reapplied as needed. Any of the three you mentioned can be cleaned and reapplied as needed.
After the sanding is done, do a light pressure wash with a deck cleaner for the final prep.
Thanks!
Sand it down. Do not use chemicals such as paint strippers. They can change the natural colors of ipe and remove some of the resins that make it such a great outdoor wood.
what is the best way to finish ipe railings? Oil or Spar Varnish? Which one?
Penetrating oil finish. You cannot use varnish on exterior wood decking or railings.
Best temperature to oil stain an Pie deck
Depends on the brand of stain but 50-90 degrees is a normal range.
Should the wood be sanded after cleaning and before staining
No need.
Have a relatively small IPE deck (8 x13) with railings and 12 steps with some exterior IPE trim. It has never been treated. I want to make sure it is done right and relatively easily. It is excessively gray with some mold. I was thinking of pressure washing, using Restore-a-deck (wondering if I need to use brightener as well), sanding flat surfaces, and then using AC mahogany stain.
Questions:
1) Would you recommend using brightener?
2) What grit sandpaper would I use?
3) Do I need to do anything between sanding and staining?
3) Would you recommend AC or another stain?
Thanks
Lynn
1. Yes
2. No need to sand. If you really want to sand, do it before the cleaning and brightening.
3. See #2
4. Ac works well for IPE and cane be easily cleaned and reapplied annually.
Thanks for your response. I have been told that traditionally sanding is not needed on a deck except in rare instances – however, I have also been researching and many say because IPE is so dense – while sanding usually closes the grain – it helps IPE absorb the stain – especially more evenly. If I do choose to sand – what grit would I use? And can you eleaborate on your thoughts about not sanding?
Sanding IPE makes it even more dense at the surface which results in less absorption. Not a fan of sanding because of this. Ig you sand, try 60-80 grit.
Hi – I have about 2,000 sqft of hardwood decking. Most of the decks are IPE but we have a large Tigerwood deck around the pool. I have been using Penofin Brazilian Rosewood for the past four years, cleaning and applying oil every year. Looks great after it’s done but quickly loses its luster. After reading your site (great job, btw) I am thinking of changing to the Anderson Clark product in Mahogany. Also, the site is located in the Cascade mountains and gets everything from hot sun to snow sitting on the deck for 3-4 months a year.
Three questions:
1) Do you think it’s worth it to change from Penofin to AC?
2) Is AC the product you’d recommend?
3) If I move from Penofin to AC (or some other product) do I need to strip the decks or just clean them? And if I do need to strip, what do you recommend?
Thanks for the site. It’s super helpful.
1. Yes, but will still need to be done annualy on your wood type. We do not care for Penofin. Turns dark in color.
2. Yes that will work.
3. Strip and brighten. Our favorite thing about Penofin is that it is very easy to strip. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener Kits.
Thank you for the quick response! And thanks for the site!
We have an Epay wood deck (not sure if its same as IPE). I am planning to stain it this summer. Any recommendation on the brand name to use for the stains?
SuperDeck (Sherwin Williams) stains has decent reviews (6.8 overall) but not sure if there is a brand that works well with Epay wood. I am thinking of either going with natural or walnut.
IPE is the correct spelling. Use the Armstrong Clark in a hardwood color or the Defy Hardwood Stains.
We have a Cedar deck and not happy with the finish previously applied. We want to refinish it & use IPE oil, question being how well will the IPE oil work on a cedar deck, live in the Chicago IL area. Any help would be appreciated…
The IPE Oil will not make the cedar look like IPE wood. On cedar it will look more golden in color. It will last about 18-24 months on cedar on IL.
we built our deck window frame style, can I add an oil based stain to the IPE oil to make some of the boards a different/deeper color?
You cannot add tint to a deck stain like IPE Oil.
We built a Window Frame deck, wondering if we could add an oil based stain to the IPE sealer to apply to certain sections of the deck for a different color?
Hardwood stains for IPE can be slightly different in color but you will not get that much of a noticeable difference.
I have an Ipe deck that I’ve been treating annually with DEFY Deck Stain for Hardwoods Light Walnut. I am thinking of switching to Armstrong Clark Mahogany this year. Will this kind of switch work and what kind of prep do I need to do,
Thanks
For the prep, you would need to strip and brighten the wood. Once removed, you can switch.
What do I use to strip DEFY Deck Stain for Hardwoods off IPE deck?
Defy Stain Stripper or Restore A Deck Stain Stripper. Brightener when done.
I’m thinking of using Ipe as a countertop in my bathroom. Is that a crazy idea? If not, are there particular concerns you recommend I look out for?
The wood will stain from water marks.
Can I use ipe oil on a cedar table top
Yes, but it will not make the cedar wood look like IPE wood.
My contractors sanded my new ipe before installing it in the interior wall. They have not sanded the exterior wall yet, but have completed that install. I read in one of your comments not to sand ipe. Sanding it blocks the absorption. I am also grateful to have read to let it rest for two months before staining it. Do I sand the other wall? The walls are next to each other with the entrance door separating the two. I want them to match, but definitely want the exterior wall to absorb the protection. This a great site. Thank you so much!
No need to sand the other wall. Just let the wood weather for 2-3 months and prep all with a deck cleaner followed by a wood brightener before applying.
Thanks so much for your help and quick response!
Installed a 1500sqft tigerwood deck with ipe boarder. Used ipe oil. We did sand with a quick pass with 120 grit the entire deck to clean some rough spots and plugs. We have oiled it 2 times in 4 mth per wood supplier because it started graying in a month. And is now graying again. They said first coat takes a couple applications. Any tips would be appreciated.
Wait until Spring and strip it all off. Brighten the wood after. Try the Defy Hardwood Stain or Armstrong Clark in Amber or Mahogany colors.
Thank you. Will do. Do you have an idea why the ipe oil not last more than a month or 2? This deck is not in the direct sun but a couple hours a day. Lots of trees.
Any ideas why the ipe is fading so quickly. Only has about 2hrs of direct sun also. And the weather here is still in the 60s can I go ahead and strip and reoil?
It is the density of the wood, not the Ipe Oils fault. Yes, you can strip and stain in the Spring.
Are the Sickens products suitable for ipe ?
I do not think so but best to ask them.
Hi. We had a new ipe deck put in a little over two years ago but the builder never treated it, so now is looks gray and weathered. Do I need to sand it before staining it to restore the luster or will just washing it before staining suffice?
Prepping with the Restore A Deck Kits is easier and will restore the wood grain.
Thank you for a great site! I recently moved into a house which has a new, tall IPE fence around a large trex deck. I’m planning to treat the fence. What prep and product would you recommend for a large vertical surface with some exposure to sun (7-8 feet tall, facing NW in MA)? I’ve seen some sites recommend different products for vertical structures but was hoping to use Armstrong Clark Amber. Would that work and be easy to maintain? The house also has two IPE porches with solid stain that is peeling. Is it correct that I need to sand off the solid stain before re-treating these or can I strip and brighten?
You will need to sand to remove the solid stain. For the fence, clean and brighten the wood. The AC Amber will work well.
I had a large new 2nd story IPE deck built in 2013. My contractor told me the wood came pre-stained but he did re-stain soon after it was installed. I believe he used Penofin and it looked gorgeous for a while but I have done nothing to it since. I am assuming that since it hasn’t been stained in 4 years that I do not need to strip? I am thinking of using AC restore-a-deck kit (the cleaner and brightener not the stripper and brightener) and then using AC stain in amber. Would this be correct or do I need to use the stripper? Also, there are some spots on the privacy screen wall that I think need sanding. Would I sand before using the cleaner (or stripper) and brightener followed by pressure washing?
If the Peofon is still visible then you will need to strip. If not, the cleaner will work. Brighten after. Only sand if needed. Best to do this first.
My contractor stained my ipe deck with Mahogany thinned half and half with mineral spirits. The horizontal portion is a bit blotchy, mainly dark but with orange spots. Is this because it was thinned?
Sound like it but not 100% sure it is the main cause of the blotchy look. Could be prep and application procedure.
Last year I stripped an ope deck and sealed it with Messmers uv plus , this year I used the Messmers cleaner and brightener and I let it dry and applied the uv plus again but while it looks good it has a little white grain hairs showing should I have sanded after brightener
Please send a picture.
Live on Tampa Bay. Will be using 6″ x 1/2″ IPE for a top to cable railing. IPE is new. What oil/stain would you use given the saltwater and intense sun? Would you use anything in addition to the oil/stain? Thanks in advance.
Try Defy Hardwood Stain or Armstrong Clark in the Hardwood colors. Nothing else is needed. Clean and reapply annually.
Commercial Maintenance Alert, Potential job for IPE at Union Station in DC, what’s the best way to clean before staining large amounts of sf? 2 1/2 years old lots of gum, spills, grease etc. In house cleaners are using disinfectants (bleach was mentioned) on the waiting area benches and have caused discolorations. Need guidance on best cleaning practices (powerwash vs. machine scrub) and sugggestions on products to use. They say Messmers UV Plus Hardwoods was used after installation. Not too concerned of scratches (there are not too many), but we do have the ablility/tools to sand/screen if this would help prep the wood for staining.
Pressue wash with a sodium percarbonate based deck cleaner. Not sure though on the best way to remove the gum.
Great site-expert advice thx! Ipe deck was poorly finished with zar clear ultra uv protect (not for decks). I’ve been hired to make it right. Plan- Sand 80 grit square buff, RO 80 corners & rails, messmers cleaner brightener, pwash off, let dry. I want to brown it to match areas under shade with Ipe oil. Can I apply messmers clear uv for hardwoods after ipe oil? ..and does this sound like a good overall appraoch? Thx!
Plan sounds correct but you cannot apply anything on top of the Ipe Oil.
Hello, I have ipe around the pool so water from the pool that contains pool chemicals gets on the ipe deck around the pol making it lighter in color. I havent sealed it yet. My question is: would an oil base like ipe oil or a water base like Defy be better for this situation?
Thanks
Does not matter nor would a stain/sealer help to prevent the chlorine from doing this. It will continue to happen.
Porch railing: built about four years ago and was told that we have to apply “milk” before we restain….. what’s he talking about?
No idea. Never heard of such a thing.
Thanks for all the useful info – but I’m still looking for a truly clear penetrating oil/ preservative. I have a 20-year old ipe deck, still looking beautiful (gray, of course), just power-washed to a nice light brown, highlighting the grain. Tried Ipe Oil, to great disappointment – heavily pigmented, it’s a nasty flat brown. I know any oil will darken the wood, but is there anything out there that adds NO color?
No color = no (or very little) UV protection. If okay with this, try Defy Extreme Clear or TWP in their clear.
Thanks – will do. Also tried the clear Thompsons’s Timber Oil, which also darkened the wood way too much.
I am installing an Ipe deck that will be totally exposed to the elements. I would like to achieve the silvery gray weathered colour. What would be the best way to allow the colour to change while trying to ensure longevity. I’ve read up on using clear sealers that will have limited UV protection. I guess that would allow the graying process to occur as quickly as possible but would it be at the expense of longevity? Lastly after the colour has reached the desired gray colour any tips for ongoing maintenance at that point?
Thank you kindly.
If you want it to gray naturally then you would want a clear sealer (no tint at all). This will let the wood to oxidize and gray naturally. Once it achieves a desired gray that you like, it is not possible to keep it that way indefinitely. You will need to clean and reapply the clear again, allowing it to naturally gray again.
Thanks very much for your reply…
Would Ipe Oil be considered a ‘clear sealer’?
No, that is tinted brown. None of the IPE coatings are true clears that I can think of. Defy Extreme Clear is a true clear and has some limited UV protection, but will gray eventually.
Thanks!
Last question… do you recommend wax sealing the ends? I’ve heard it causes a discolouration.
It can discolor and we do not bother. The wood will crack slightly but that is normal and not a big deal in the long term.
Our home was built about 3 years ago and the front and back porches were built using ipe wood. The builder finished the porches during chilly weather in November and used Cabot Australian Timber Oil in Natural. Our South facing front porch started fading fairly quickly during the first year leaving patchy areas of color, especially around the edges. Now the entire porch is faded with only small areas of color still showing. Our North facing backporch is covered and the color has held up pretty well, even after 3 years, except for the around the edges and steps. Even though the color on the can of Cabot says Natural, the original color of both porches was a dark reddish color. We would like to refinish both porches ourselves in a more neutral brown color. What is the best way to prep ipe wood for refinishing and which products do you recommend? What is the best and longest lasting stain for giving ipe wood a nice neutral brown tone?
When dealing with IPE, you will have to clean and reapply annually to keep up the color. Look at IPE Oil or Armstrong Clark in amber color when looking at more neutral (not red) colors.
What would you recommend on prepping porches prior to staining? The front porch is almost completely faded out to grey and the back covered porch has a lot of color left, but the edges and steps are pretty faded.
Strip and brigthen for the back. Clean nd brighten for the front. Use Restore a Deck Kits.
Have Ipe deck about 4 years old. Painter applied Cabot oil based stain and not sure if this was mistake. Water from rain is beading up on deck
When was the Cabot applied?
We had an IPE deck installed and some of the long boards are warping (concave) – no longer flat surface.
What is happening? Thank you.
Bad wood possibly. Ask the manufacturer for assistance.
Thank you – will call the place IPE was purchased from and see what they say. But, have you ever heard of this happening to IPE?
Yes it can happen.
We have 10-12 year old ipe decking above our boatdock which gets full sun and has never been cleaned, sealed or oiled previoulsy. I carefully pressure washed it (w/o any cleaning solution) a few days ago and purchased the Penofil hardwood oil. Do I need to any additional cleaning besides blowing off dust/leaves etc. before i apply the oil? Do you recommend using a brush or sponge pad or ?
If the wood is clean and you have removed the gray oxidation, then you can stain. As for application, use a extrior stain pad. You may want to review the Penofin before applying.
Do not use Penofil unless you want brain damage and your Ipe is never exposed to sun, rain or wind. The product does not penetrate anything other than brain cells.
Amen to the response about Penofin. Don’t use it if your deck is outside. haha
Does it help to sand hardwood deck? If so, sand before or after cleaning and brightner.
Sanding will reduce the stain\’s aility to penetrate into the wood grain so we advise against it.
Hello I used Ipe oil on my new deck. Just after installation. The deck is 95% cover by a roof. It rained about three weeks after application and some areas got wet. Those areas seemed to have run a bit and left a stain where they ran. The stain looks it has a slight sheen in the borders and the wood is lighter in the areas it got wet. I spoke with the company they said it must been dirt or some contaminant not their product. I can't believe it could be dirt the deck is do new and I followed their instructions explicitly. I want to refinish with something different I don't trust this product anymore any suggestions?
Tony, if it washed off then the stain never penetrated into the wood grain. Most likely it was over-applied, filmed on top of the wood instead of in the wood grain, and did not cure correctly. Water and oil do not mix so if it had cured into the wood, it is not possible for it to wash off. I would suggest waiting until next Spring and prep by removing the Ipe Oil. Try the Defy Hardwood stain this time.
I have a customer who wants the boards and seams of their Ipe deck to be a noticeably different colour/shade than the interior boards. How can I achieve this and with what stains? I know I have access to Ipe Oil and Messemers.
Thanks!
That is not easy to do with Ipe. You can make some redder and others more brown. Messmers has two different colors that you can work with.
Our contractor only used thomasville waterseal waterproofing wood protector on our ipe deck. Will that damage our deck? No oil was used. Also, no end sealer was not used after they cut the ends. Can we apply sealer after a month?
You have to remove the Thompsons first before applying the Ipe Oil. Strip and brighten and then stain.
Have a new Ipe deck about to be installed. Should it be cleaned/stained before install on all sides?
No. Install, let weather for a few months and then stain just the exposed area.
Can you explain the reason for this? I’m not disagreeing; I’d just like to understand, because I had the same question. Thanks.
New wood needs to season first. A few months to slightly gray and the prep will remove the mill glaze and an oxidation so the stain can properly soak in. Staining all sides is not needed or helpful. Only need to stain the areas that are exposed.
I'm build an ipe deck. Checked out the ipe at the local lumber yard. Looks like they had two different batches. The 16ft had a reddish brown color and the 18ft were brown. I'm using both lengths – after staining with a brownish stain – will they look similar?
The stain enhances the natural tones of the wood. The two different batches will mostly likely show a slight difference when stained.
We have a brand new IPE ceiling above a covered patio. Live within 2 miles of the coast in San Diego. The ceiling will not get direct sun. Do we need to let it season? Do we need to clean it now or before we finish? Which is best – an oil finish or a stain with a sealer to get the longest life out of the finish. Thanks so much!
Use a stain that is designed for your wood type. Ipe Oil or Armstrong Clark in Amber tint. Yes you should clean first.