Coating Decks: Everything You Need To Know About Applying Decking Oil

This article is your complete guide to applying and treating natural wooden decks with decking oil.

Together we’ll go through the ins and outs of applying decking oil and detail exactly how to coat a deck to last in these tough Australian climates.

Before We Start Applying Decking Oil

There are a number of tools we need to correctly paint a deck with decking oil and it’s best to organise all your tools and products before hand.

• 120 Grit Sand Paper
• Soft Bristle Broom
• A brush at least 63mm wide
• Roller Tray
• Extension Pole
• Lamb’s Wool Decking Applicator
• 4L Tin Of Oil Based Decking Clear Coat such as Solver Decking Oil (adjust amount as required)
• A Broad Paddled Mixing Tool (something that can reach the bottom of the can)
• Pair of Socks (or you can go barefoot if your prefer)
• Turpentine (for cleaning the brush and applicator)

Preparing Your Deck For Coating

Depending on if you’re a do-it-yourself deck builder or if you’re using a professional builder and coating it yourself there will likely be a lot of pencil marks or chalk lines left over from measuring.

While there is really no need to sand the entire deck, it’s important to sand off all of these markings to ensure they don’t show through in the finished product.

Handy Tip: Using your 120 grit sand paper make sure you sand with the grain. This also goes for any nice timber surface you intend to clear coat.

Next, grab your soft bristled broom and give the deck a thorough sweep off to get rid of any dust or dirt.

If you’re on a second story, make sure you lay a sheet over anything underneath the deck you would want to protect from stray drips of decking oil.

Coating Your Deck With Decking Oil

I recommend coating the deck in either your socks or bare feet. This tip alone could save you a lot of tears – the last thing you want on your lovely new deck is a shoe print!

Pour some decking oil into the roller tray trying not to overfill it.

First step, using your brush, cut in around the edges of your deck (cutting in means making a border). This means we don’t have to go all the way to the edge with the applicator which can cause runs.

Now using your lamb’s wool decking applicator, dip it into the decking oil in your roller tray and proceed to do 3 to 4 boards at a time going from one end of the deck to the other.

You should aim to complete at least 3 coats of decking oil with 24 hours between coats.

Maintaining Your Decking Oil

Due to weather, wear and tear, dirt and grime your deck will need recoating to keep it maintained to that new look.

If your deck is kept clean and stain free this will make it an easier job.

Depending on the positioning of the deck, expect to recoat approximately 2 to 4 times per year. Obviously a sunny spot will need recoating more than a nice shady deck.

You can reduce this, but expect more work to get it back to it’s original state.

Congratulations, You Now Have A Pristine Deck

A deck that’s been freshly coated in decking oil can really enhance the natural beauty of the exterior timber decking.

A good decking oil will be formulated to highlight the timber grain and produce a natural timber-look finish.

I hope this guide has been helpful and remember, I’m always just a phone call away if the job becomes too big or you are after a professional quality finish.

Next article: How To Clear Coat Your Stairs With Decking Oil