hello!
thank you for this great website and forum. Wish I had seen it before I had our builder seal our Tigerwood deck two years ago which is in our screened in porch. He used a natural exterior wood sealant since we were building a green friendly house. I now have to redo it! After looking at this website, it looks like the Defy is the most green friendly. I do not want to add color to the wood just keep it natural. Question: what product would I want to use then. Also, is it necessary to do all 3 steps and use a power washer? The screened porch is on the second floor and our water pressure is not good and I don't like using a power washer anyway. Can this product be purchased in stores?
thank you kindly!
Maureen

If you would like a clear stain without any color then you would want the Defy Extreme Clear. Take in consideration that a clear untinted stain will fade/turn gray faster then a stain that has a tint. Example, the Defy Extreme in Natural Pine will last longer then the Clear.

It is important to use a deck cleaner and a deck brightener to prep the wood properly prior to applying a stain or sealer. You do not need to use a pressure washer and if you do it should be used a rinsing tool.

Hello,

We have extensive Ipe decking at a large residence in Hawaii. A portion of the decking is a bridge, with water just below the wood surface by a few inches and all day sun on top.

We're trying to determine which Penofin product to use throughout the estate. We were considering Marine oil, then I saw the Exotic Hardwood product - perhaps we do a combination of both?? Because of the island location the elements play a huge roll in this (ie. sun, rain, salt and the infamous Hawaii VOG). To keep the decks in top shape, we're having to refinish once a year (2-3 times a year at the bridge location). Any suggestions or insight you can offer would be greatly appreciated. I'm trying to find a product that looks good, holds up and works in all locations.

Unfortunately when dealing with IPE nothing really lasts more then 9-12 months. Sometimes less if you have high UV exposure and traffic such as the bridge. The Penofin Exotic Hardwood Oil would be your best bet for this type of wood and your locations. What's nice about the Penofin is that it can be cleaned and recoated whenever needed.

Thanks

Well.....it's now spring here in Wisconsin-about 50 and breezy today- and, indeed, the Behr is not working. Better than the Flood, but I am in the process of figuring out what to do. The pressure washer may be making it's first appearance of the year tomorrow, or I may just try to touch up the areas that are flaking off. Any suggestions, from anyone out there?

I would remove the Behr and start over.

Would you suggest the Messmer or the Defy? Are they both good ?

Both are excellent. Might want to look at this stain as well:

Armstrong Clark in Mahogany