I have just finished washing my deck and it is back to that wonderful woof color. What is the best way to preserve it so that it will hopefully maintain that color for a few years more?
Thanks.
Check out the non-yellowing clear polyurethanes---Minwax is a good brand and I believe they make some specifically for decks. Don't use the glossy. Sunlight is your biggest enemy so you need a finish with good UV protection.
DEFY - I get it from the Log Home Store.
There are pigmented ones but there are also some that are near clear and will prevent the UV damage that causes the graying.
http://www.loghomestore.com/c177-defy-exterior.php
http://www.olympic.com/stain/Find_Products/clear_maximum.aspx
I've used this stuff on rustic furniture and I like it.. Nice color, easy application and little odor.
However it is an exercise in futility. UV "sees" through clear finishes much better than through pigmented ones, this is the reason they break down the quickest.
Quote from: Don_P on July 04, 2011, 07:18:29 PM
However it is an exercise in futility. UV "sees" through clear finishes much better than through pigmented ones, this is the reason they break down the quickest.
:( Sad but true. All you can really do is slow it down a little and look forward to sanding it down and refinishing---or a roof over the deck will help too.
Yeah, it's only got a 2 year life on a deck.. But it's easy to reapply. Their semi-transparent stains are supposed to last 5+ years; maybe that would be a better rout.
..Or you could be like us and not use anything at all.. ;)
My thanks to all. We have decided to go with Olympic Maximum with golden honey toner based on price and local availability.