Protect the rich color and distinctive grain of your outdoor hardwood.
Your ipe deck may still feel solid underfoot even when the surface has started to look worn. Sun exposure can dull its brown color, while moisture and everyday use leave their mark. Ipe sealing helps preserve the wood’s appearance and adds protection against weathering, surface checking, and fading.
Although the service is called sealing, we do not apply a separate sealant after staining. The protection is built into the stain itself. For ipe, we use Messmer’s UV Plus, a penetrating, oil-based product designed for dense hardwoods. It absorbs into the grain rather than creating a film on the surface. This approach brings out the wood’s natural character while providing protection in one application.
Preparation is an important part of ipe sealing. We clean the surface with sodium metasilicate and/or sodium hydroxide, then apply oxalic acid to neutralize the wood and open its cells. That two-step wash allows the product to penetrate deeply and evenly. If an ipe deck needs sanding, we can complete that work during preparation. Because the product is oil-based, it will not wash off if it rains after application.
Our team at Capital Staining LLC provides careful wood services for property owners in Warrenton, Virginia. We understand that ipe behaves differently from softer decking materials, and we use the techniques and products suited to its density. Every project begins with a free, on-site estimate, giving us a chance to inspect the surface and provide an accurate quote.
Is the color of your ipe starting to fade? Reach out today to ask about Ipe Sealing and schedule your complimentary estimate. We would be glad to help your outdoor wood look its best again.