What Is The Best Deck Stain For Ipe Wood?

Hello,

I have never used your products before so I am wondering if Mountain XT Clear 00 and Rainforest Sealer would work for an IPE wood boardwalk?
Hi,

For an ipe boardwalk in full sun, with hotel traffic, I would:

1. Lime Clean
2. Sand 35-50 grit
3. Rainforest Sealer
4. Mountain XT Clear 00 x 2

The Rainforest should penetrate well with that prep.

If it doesn’t mostly soak in, dilute with 1 quart per gallon of solvent.

Coating all six sides of a board always helps, if it can be done.

If not, good prep on the surface will provide washed out wood fiber cell that is open and ready to be saturated.

The Rainforest Sealer will saturate the cell and provide a dense, flexible tether for the Mountain XT Clear 00.

Broadcasting sand after the first coat of XT Clear 00 is fine.

Once that dries I would roll another thin coat out and possibly broadcast another thin layer of fine sand across the surface.

Once dry, sweep up any loose sand.

Maintenance from here on out will be a clear coat of Mountain XT Clear 00 as needed.

In very harsh climates we apply a bolstering coat in 6 months. The wood looks good at this point but intense sun at high elevations can be tough and a bolstering coat can do much good. Since the climate for this project is 500′ elevation on the west coast of your location, I doubt you will need to apply the first bolstering coat that soon. Usually, it’s once a year for the first couple years then as needed after that. Regardless, it’s a good idea to check it every 6 months or so since it’s getting heavy hotel traffic.

A sample board will be useful to have the customer approve in advance. Sample pints are available on line.

Hope this helps.

Best wishes,

Tom

Sample pints are recommended for creating a finished sample in advance. Earthpaint is in no way liable for unintended uses of this information. Sample Pints are recommended. Please, create a completed sample board for approval in advance. Test as deemed appropriate to make sure no allergic sensitivities exist. Be sure to Read TDS (Technical Data Sheets), MSDS (Manufacturer Safety Data Sheets) Labels, How To’s and Product Web Page before using recommended products.