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Let’s Get Started is a quick-fire guide to getting your project off the ground. Here, Jack, who is passionate about transforming timber in and outside his home, reveals how he brightened up his grey, worn out decking…

Let’s Get Started: Revive, protect and enjoy your garden deck this summer

As soon as spring arrives, I’m straight out in my garden getting it ready for the summer months. This time, I noticed that my timber decking was looking grey and worn out. The beauty and natural character of the timber had disappeared after months of sun, rain, snow and blustering winds. Now, I not only need its former glory back, but also must provide it with defence against sun damage.

It’s an easy process

If you feel overwhelmed by the task of refreshing your garden decking, don’t be, it’s actually a very simple and satisfying process that won’t take a long time. There are just five key things you need to know to get started. You will easily restore the timber back to its original beauty and protect it from any further weather damage.

It’s an easy process

Seasonal Maintenance

This process applies to seasonal upkeep of a Sikkens finish, weathered young uncoated decks, and completely greyed older (neglected) decks with no flaking finish on the surface from past applications.

All you need to do is scrub the deck with Sikkens Cetol BL Deck & Wood Cleaner and a broom or scrubber brush. After 20 minutes, rinse with water from your garden hose, then allow to dry completely before applying three coats of your choice of product.

If the surface look too rough (old, neglected decks), then sanding can improve its appearance.

The preparation is minimal

It’s all about cleaning, which will allow your finish to absorb into the timber in order to properly protect it. It’s a good idea to trim back any greenery near your decking to give yourself plenty of space to work and pop a sheet down to cover any grass or nearby plants. 

Before coating the timber

Mask any areas that you do not want to be painted.

Once the timber is thoroughly dry and ready for the first coat, fill any large holes with Nordsjo Professional Flexible Wood Filler or a similar product in the right colour, then sand the repair down for an even surface.

Repairing holes is also possible after the first coat.

You can do the job in one weekend

The time you need will depend on the surface area, the timber’s condition, and the type of product you use. For a general guide on how much time is needed, working with quick-drying water-based products 1 – 2 days should be enough. For oil-based products you should allow 3 - 4 days for your project.

On day one, spend a few hours preparing the wood (e.g. cleaning and sanding).

On day two, repair any holes and cracks apply your first coat. The benefit of working with Sikkens Cetol BLX-Pro or Sikkens Cetol BL Natural Decking Oil is that these two products are water-based and can be recoated in as little as 2 hours. It means all three coats can be applied in one day.

Working with Sikkens Cetol Deck Ultra, which is an oil-based product, you will need to allow 12 - 24 hrs between coats.

Simple!

You only need one product

That’s right! Just one product for your decking and your garden furniture. You can choose either Sikkens Cetol BLX-Pro timber stain (low sheen, low film build) or Sikkens Cetol BL Natural Decking Oil (matt, minimal film build) for a water-based finish or Sikkens Cetol Deck Ultra for a oil-rich stain (satin , low film build). They will allow you to protect horizontal surfaces in your garden from harsh weather conditions, whilst also enhancing the natural beauty and character of the wood. All three finishes enhance the timber grains, whilst also protecting the wood from turning grey, so that you don’t have to worry about repainting every season.

Brand new decks

The results are worth it

In the space of just one weekend, I’ve managed to completely transform the timber and restore its original character and beauty. The timber now feels smooth and soft to touch. Plus, now that the timber is protected, I don’t have to worry about repainting for a long time. Time that’s better spent firing up the BBQ…

Top tips: 

Brand new decks (not weathered):

New bare untreated tropical hardwoods such as Merbau contain natural tannins and should be pre-treated with Sikkens Cetol BL Tannin and Oil Remover to prevent unsightly tannin bleeds through the finish after you have completed your project.

Then simply follow the same steps as Seasonal Maintenance above.

Older decks with flaking and blistering finishes: 

It is best to strip the existing finish to bare timber and then simply follow the same steps as Seasonal Maintenance above.

If the timber is previously treated with another timber stain that is intact on the surface but looking tired and dull, then stripping is not essential. Simply follow the same steps as Seasonal Maintenance above.

Your decking refresh checklist

☑️ Reserve a weekend to get the job done

☑️ Buy a stain that protects the wood from future weather damage

☑️ Clean the wood and protect your plants

☑️ Apply three coats of wood stain

☑️ Sit back and relax!

Discover how to preserve the natural color

Want more help with painting your decking and garden furniture? Check out our Pick A Product article to understand what products you need, discover how to preserve the natural color of your decking in our Find Your Color guide; also, head to your local store to check out our colours or pick up 100ml sample pots. To test a colour on your timber, we recommend you apply it in an obscure area in two or three coats and view at different times of the day.

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