IPE is an extremely beautiful wood when stained and will be the envy of your neighbors. The problem with exotic hardwood decking such as IPE is that it will require maintenance annually. It is best to choose a pigmented wood stain that will enhance the reddish brown tones of the IPE as if wet with water. This will filter the UV and prolong the graying. Stains that are designed to penetrate IPE will work better and will be easier to clean and reapply when needed.
How to stain IPE decking:
- Make sure to choose a wood stain that is designed for dense wood such as IPE: IPE Decking Stains All of these stains are transparent but pigmented stains. Our most popular are: Messmers UV Plus for Hardwoods, Defy Hardwood Stain, Penofin Exotic Wood Stain, and Armstrong Clark in Mahogany Color.
- The IPE will need to be prepped first by removing and dirt, grime, mold, etc. Best to use a wood deck cleaner. Make sure to clean the IPE wood at least 2-3 days prior to applying the stain.
- Always wear protective clothing and gloves when applying a wood finish. Take precautions to tarp or cover all surrounding plants, home, and concrete areas.
- On the day of staining make sure the wood is completely dry and that there is no rain in the forecast. Remove all furniture and sweep off any dirt or grime.
- We suggest applying the IPE stain with a stain pad applicator. This will apply the finish evenly to the deck. Always start with the railings before moving onto the flooring. Make sure to apply with the grain of the wood and take care to not "puddle" the stain. Do not over apply! Excessive application will result in the stain drying tacky and failing faster then normal.
- When finished make sure to check for missed spots and drips. Take care to wipe any thick areas of stain that have not absorbed.
- Stay off the decking surface for at least 24 hours before putting any furniture back on the flooring. If you notice any sticky or shiny areas you can wipe off the excess stain with a rag.
Keep the IPE surface free from dirt and grime. Periodic sweeping and rinsing with water will keep the wood looking better longer. Best to reapply the IPE stain before the wood turns gray. Depending on the exposure to the sun, you will need to reapply every 9-18 months.
If you have any IPE Staining questions please ask below.
Comments (14)
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can i power wash
Can I power wash my ipe to remove the old stain residue prior to restaining, or must I clean and brighten? I'd rather not have the cleaner and brightner run off in my landscaping if I don't have to.
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April 27, 2012
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re: How to restore original finish
Restore-A-Deck stain stripper and the wood brightener should remove the old coatings so that the wood is properly prepped.
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April 12, 2012
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How to restore original finish
I have a 3 year old Ipe deck. I originally used Penofin several times to finish the deck. Last year I used Cabot Austrailian Timber Oil but I don't think I prepared right. It turned the deck brown almost like a solid stain would do. How do I remove the Timber Oil so I can get back to the Penofin with the same look I had originally? Should I sand it off or apply something else?
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April 12, 2012
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re: Wood and Stain suggestion for Front Steps in Colorado
IPE is one of the most beautiful woods when stained. Unfortunately it requires annual (or sooner) maintenance if you want to maintain that rich stained color.
You will not be able to achieve the look of IPE wood by using a "soft" wood such as pine or cedar. There are no other "hard" woods (mahogany, teak, tigerwood, etc) that will take a stain and last 2 or more years. What you are looking for is not possible.
You could try pine and use a stain such as Armstrong Clark in Mahogany. It will look great but will not look like IPE.
Good question though!
You will not be able to achieve the look of IPE wood by using a "soft" wood such as pine or cedar. There are no other "hard" woods (mahogany, teak, tigerwood, etc) that will take a stain and last 2 or more years. What you are looking for is not possible.
You could try pine and use a stain such as Armstrong Clark in Mahogany. It will look great but will not look like IPE.
Good question though!
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February 05, 2012
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Wood and Stain suggestion for Front Steps in Colorado
I am having my front steps rebuilt -- it's about 10 steps plus landing pad, so it's a substantial amount of wood. I was thinking of having them done in IPE because I love the reddish tones of the wood and I'm told that the dense hardwoods will last longer. However, I've also been told that the stain must be reapplied every year (and I saw some info on your "How to Stain IPE" that seems to confirm the annual stain requirement).
Can you suggest an alternate wood that would have good lasting qualities and would take a stain well so that it doesn't have to be reapplied every single year (every other year would be fine)? Is pressure treated a good idea? And, what stain would you recommend for the wood you suggest? I'd like to end up with something that looks close to the IPE look but I realize that only IPE will look like IPE. I live in Colorado, so extreme sun and wet, cold winters are a factor, and I want to be sure the wood won't be slippery when it's stained (I had my deck stained with Sikkens and it came out slippery when wet). Thanks.
Can you suggest an alternate wood that would have good lasting qualities and would take a stain well so that it doesn't have to be reapplied every single year (every other year would be fine)? Is pressure treated a good idea? And, what stain would you recommend for the wood you suggest? I'd like to end up with something that looks close to the IPE look but I realize that only IPE will look like IPE. I live in Colorado, so extreme sun and wet, cold winters are a factor, and I want to be sure the wood won't be slippery when it's stained (I had my deck stained with Sikkens and it came out slippery when wet). Thanks.
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February 05, 2012
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re: sticky ipe deck
You can try to remove some excess with mineral spirits. If that does not work then you will need to strip it off and start over if it does not dry.
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July 19, 2011
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AFter a week we have a sticky ipe deck. What can we do to get rid of this stickiness? This was the second coating of ipe oil stain. We know we must have put it on too thick. is there something we can do aabout this? it is a beautiful deck!
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July 18, 2011
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re: Armstrong Mahogany Stain
Armstrong Clark in Mahogany does have a tendency to hold color a little longer then other IPE stains. A lot to due with having "red" pigment as part of the color. Red pigment can absorb the UV better then other color.
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May 01, 2011
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Armstrong Mahogany Stain
Seems that this stain seems to last longer then some of the others. Any reason for that?
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April 30, 2011
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re: Penofin on IPE
Nothing wrong with the Penofin. The issue is the IPE's wood density. Might want to try Armstrong Clark in Mahogany. It seems to hold color a little longer.
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April 16, 2011
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Mr.
I've been using Penofin Exotic Wood Stain for years and my question is this: Is there a better stain to use on my IPE deck or should I continue with the Penofin? I find that the Penofin has a really short protection period before another coat is requirred.
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April 16, 2011
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The cleaners and brighteners we sell are biodegradable and eco friendly. Especially the Restore-A-Deck products.