If you recently oiled your hardwood deck and ended up with a tacky mess, you’re not alone. Every spring we get many calls from homeowners who find their feet sticking to their deck. They just wanted to spruce up their deck for the upcoming summer parties and family gatherings; now their deck is unusable.
This problem stems from the improper application of the hardwood finishing oil. Always read the labels before using any deck oil product, because their step-by-step instructions contain the key to avoiding this exact problem. One of these very important steps is to wipe off excess oil within a few minutes of applying it.
This is the trick. This is the step that, when forgotten, leaves you with a sticky deck. This can lead to dirt accumulation, making your deck look filthy and uninviting.
If this describes your deck, don’t worry; it’s easy to fix. Using a rejuvenating product for hardwoods like DeckWise Cleaner & Brightener will refresh your deck’s surface and restore it to its original state. This process only takes an hour or so, and once your deck is fully dry you can reapply the oil correctly.
I suppose it is my own fault for not reading the instructions. Still, I wish there was a better way than having to remove the finish and reapply it. Oh well, I have learned my lesson and will never just assume that I know how to oil a deck. Thanks for the help resolving my problem.
I was told by the business I bought it from that I did not have to wipe it off! I should have followed the instructions on the can instead. It’s not so tacky anymore but I can’t keep it clean and looking pristine and it is driving my crazy. I need to rectify it and then I will be able to sleep at night.
I did read the direction. I used the oil in sections. I waited 10 minutes and wiped the excess off. Then went to the next section. The deck is still tacky. So now what? I don’t want to re-do the deck again when I did it properly this thin already. Can’t I just go over it with a little paint thinner?
Sometimes if the oil is applied on a hot day or in direct sunlight it can cause the issues you are experiencing. You can try scrubbing the affected areas with lacquer thinner or MEK solvent to reduce the excess material. Wipe dry. If product has cured to the point that this does not correct the problem, excess material must be removed by chemical stripping or sanding. Dispose of clean up materials according to local, state and federal regulations.
Where to get that Deckwise cleaner and brightener ?
You can buy it online here: https://buy.advantagelumber.com/collections/deck-maintenance
You can buy it from our online store: https://buy.advantagelumber.com/collections/deck-maintenance/products/deckwise-deck-wood-cleaner-part-1
I oiled it and immediately wiped it off (within 5-10 minutes) and it looked just the original. Then I looked on Google tosee if I was doing it correctly. This is what I found and followed (This is coppied directly off the istructions):
“Apply one coat of Ipe Oil by using a brush, roller, rag or sprayer. Wait 30-45 minutes for Ipe Oil to soak into the hardwood. Wipe off any excess Ipe Oil. Maintain the finish by using wood cleaner and brightener at least once a year and reapplying Ipe Oil every 1 to 2 years.”
So much for following their directions! I will be correcting it today…Ugh!