Deck, to oil or not? The answer is “Whatever the client wants”
If you want your deck to stay natural, that’s fine. If you want it to look like new again, that’s fine too. It’s a case of deck, to oil or not? and the answer really is what ever the client wants.
In many cases, products applied to timber fail to protect it from the elements. Some products don’t perform as expected, and some do neither. The demand for penetrative coatings is increasing. These coatings preserve the wood’s longevity and enhance its appearance.
My deck is made of hardwood. I’ve been told it doesn’t need treating. Is this true?
Not at all! Hardwood is denser than softwood, but it still absorbs and loses moisture. This movement can cause the wood to change when exposed to the elements. You should always treat both hardwood and softwood timber.
What is the best finish for my deck?
The best finish is one that doesn’t form a film. Many products on the market create a micro-layer that wears off under traffic. Products like Deks Olje D1, Textrol Oil, and Aquadecks are penetrative. They saturate the timber and won’t peel or flake, as long as the surface is prepared correctly. These products also make maintenance easier because you don’t need to strip the old coating.
What is “Mill Glaze,” and do I need to remove it before treating my deck?
New timber often has mill glaze, a shiny surface left by machinery. This prevents proper penetration of finishes. The glaze closes the pores and may take months to open naturally. However, by then, the wood may already have moved or distorted.
To remove mill glaze, use a 50-50 mix of Prepdeck and water. Scrub this into the deck, rinse it after 30 minutes, then neutralize with a 25-75 mix of Net-trol and water. The wood will be ready for treatment. For hardwood and exotic species, removing the mill glaze before applying a coating is highly recommended.
Can I prevent my deck from turning grey due to the weather?
You can, but you’ll need a film-forming product. Any penetrative solution, whether from Owatrol or another brand, will weather naturally. This grey appearance is due to UV rays affecting only the surface. With Owatrol products, there is no damage to the wood. As long as you maintain the deck, it will continue to protect the wood.
My finish is flaking, and it hasn’t been applied for long. What can I do?
Flaking finishes are common. Often, we recommend removing the old finish and starting again. You can either sand the surface to bare wood or use a stripping agent like Owatrol Prepdeck. Afterward, apply Owatrol Net-trol to neutralize the surface. Once the old finish is gone, apply Owatrol Textrol Oil to fully saturate the wood.
What can I do to prevent my deck from splitting and moving?
Wood naturally absorbs and releases moisture. This causes expansion and contraction. Owatrol Seasonite helps regulate moisture content and reduces the risk of movement. Seasonite is designed to minimise wood distortion from moisture.
My external timber has been pressure-treated, so it doesn’t need another finish.
Pressure treating prevents rot but doesn’t stop the wood from moving. Even pressure-treated wood can crack, warp, or split. You still need a finish to protect it from the elements.
My deck was treated last year but is now peeling. Should I sand it back?
You can sand the deck to remove the old coating, but this is time-consuming. Instead, use Prepdeck to remove the old finish, then clean the wood with Net-trol. This prepares the surface for a new penetrative coating like Textrol Oil.
There’s a growing trend of pre-staining deck boards. Is this the way forward?
It depends on preference and the application. Pre-staining saves time and ensures effective coating. However, many pre-staining products are micro-film coatings, which aren’t ideal for decking. Owatrol offers industrial coatings and pre-staining options that are much more suitable for decking.
Summary
The range of products for treating timber is vast and ever-growing. Penetrative coatings, like those from Owatrol and Osmo, are gaining popularity. They’re easier to maintain than film-forming products.
Owatrol products are made from high-quality materials, making them the professional’s choice for wood care. Companies like Decking Décor recommend Owatrol products for their quality.
While cheaper alternatives may seem attractive, they often prove less cost-effective over time. Investing in the right solution from the start ensures long-term satisfaction and better results for professionals seeking repeat business.
Ready to oil your decking?
Now that you know what you need, you can order from Owatrol for next-day delivery.