If you have decking that is a lot newer, then chances are the wood itself will have mill glaze. This means that any and all finishes will be prevented from being adhered to the surface correctly and you should prepare the pores of the timber itself before attempting to apply any kind of a finish.
Here are the steps that you can take to help you along the way in treating your softwood decking!
Step One: Prep Your Softwood Decking
New timber has scale on the surface know as mill glaze. This is produce a by-product of the timber machining process. Before applying a finish this glaze will need to be removed to the finish to penetrate into the substrate. The easiest way of removing the mill glaze is to use Owatrol Aquanett. Simply apply a generous coating of Aqaunett to the surface and allow it work for 5 minutes maximum. After allowing the product to work, scrub the surface with a stiff nylon brush whilst rinsing with fresh clean water.
Once the Aquanett has been rinsed away, immediately treat the surface with Net-Trol. Net-trol will neutralize the stripping action of Aquanett, details on how to use Owatrol Net-Trol are covered below in Step Two.
Step Two
Prior to applying any kind of products to your softwood decking, you will first need to clean it using a wood cleaner we would recommend using Owatrol Net-Trol. This way, you can remove any and all dirt and other types of rubbish from the surface, as well as remove the unattractive grey colouring, thereby bringing back the wood’s natural colour.
All you have to do is apply Owatrol Net-Trol to the surface with a stiff brush and allow it to sit for approximately 10 to 20 minutes, which will enable it to work its way into the surface. Then, rinse off the cleaner whilst scrubbing it at the same time. Once this has been completed, you will need to wait for no less than 48 hours or until the surface is completely dry before you can apply any kind of a finish.
Step Three
Once the 48-hour waiting period has elapsed, you can then apply a water-based wood treatment. We would recommend using Owatrol Aquadecks. You will actually need to apply two coats of this. First, apply one and let it work its way into the wood. Once the “wet” look of the first coat has disappeared, immediately begin applying the second coat. If you have a surface that is very porous, a third application may be required. If any puddles appear within 20 minutes of applying the final coat, brush them away. This avoids them drying as shiny spots.
What to Do if Your Softwood Decking Has Been Coated Before
In the event that your softwood decking has been previously coated, it will have to be completely stripped before you apply anything new. Once this has been completed, you may then proceed with the list of instructions in Step 3.
Buy Owatrol Aquadecks from Promain Paints here.
Interested in finding out more about Promain‘s decking solutions? Read our blogs here:
- Restoring Decking With Owatrol
- FAQ: Deck Paint Vs Deck Stain
- Introducing Anti Slip Deck Paint
- Restoring Weather Beaten Decking
- How to Paint A Wooden Barn
- How to Use Power Washers on Exterior Wood
