Hiya,

I am in the process of building a deck and am beginning to turn my attention to the sealer. This deck is located in Northern NM at 8600' so there's plenty of high intensity UV and lots of snow during the winters. Temps range from -30F to 90F and the summers can be either very wet or dry for months. The decking will most likely be Ipe and there will be pine handrails/logs trimming out the teck. I've been using Penofin on the house (exposed logs) with pretty good success (although I have to say, I did not like their new low VOC one coat system) and was thinking of using that. But after reading up a bit, I see there are a number of other brands that seem to be getting better reviews. I figure since you carry most of them, that perhaps I could get an honest opinion about which one I should consider? I'm not all that interested in staining the Ipe but more in keeping it's original, unweathered color.The pine/logs would need to take some stain to match the house. Anyway, any advice/recommendations are most appreciated.

Thx.

You cannot retain the unweathered look without adding a "tint" or stain. The tint is what will absorb the UV and prolong the graying effect. The problem is that IPE is extremely dense resulting in a much faster graying process. Typically hardwood decks will require an annual or bi-annual application to retain color. With your harsh UV and changes in temps it could be more often. With your scenario I would suggest:

Defy Stain for Hardwoods in Light Walnut
Messmers UV Plus for Hardwoods
Penofin Exotic Hardwoods

Thanks for the reply. Unless Messmers has reformulated recently, I probably won't use it as it doesn't contain a mildewcide. I've not heard of Defy before but have used Penofin exclusively on the cabin itself (bought my last batch from you guys!). I see the Penofin claims 99% UV blocking. Seems line that would mean simply putting tar paper over the deck . So in your experience, between the Defy (which is fairly new if I'm not mistaken), which would be a better route. I'm also seeing a lot of recommendations for TWP500 and Ready Sealer.....this is getting difficult!
Cheers,
jlc

Messmers actually does contain a mildewcide. You have to pay to be registered as a preservative to state this on the can and a lot of the companies are not willing to dish out $25000 per color.

TWP is a great product too and is labeled as a preservative. Will not darken.

Defy is a water base and will not promote mildew growth like an oil base will. Will not darken.

Ready Seal will not work well on IPE.

Penofin can darken from the high UV exposure.