Subject: Re: UV protection ?
Date: Fri, 13 Oct 2000

I have applied CPES to the top of my deck. Can you recommend something for UV protection? I'm would like the deck to last as long as possible.

Thank You,
Mike

Mike,

What kind of wood is the deck, and do you want it to look clear or colored?

Doc

The deck is pine and is about 7 years old. Last year I applied wood preservative and several years before that, wood stain. The wood preservative has UV protection but does not seen to last very long(water bead up). I have not applied the CPES yet.

I would like to do what ever makes the deck last the longest with minimum of maintenance. And I might be interested in a red wood stain.

Thanks,
Mike

Mike,

I wish I could give you some specific answers, but I can't. I know exactly what you are looking for, but we haven't been able to find it -- yet. We are looking at and testing some epoxy and polyurethane coatings that will use CPES as a base coat and give protection that will last for years. Or so we hope.

Don't use the CPES indiscriminately on the deck. Use is discreetly in areas where you suspect water may be seeping into the wood, such as plank/joist areas, fastener holes, and the like. These are the areas where rot gets started, and these are where the protection needs to be.

Beyond that, I can only tell you what Consumer's Reports found when they did an extended study on deck coatings. The found that the best ones were Cabot Decking Stain, Cetol DEK Base Coat, and Amteco TWP. These are not usually available at the big home stores and you'll have to search around to find them.

Don't worry about the "beading" of water on the deck. This is caused by a wax/oil ingredient and doesn't give the wood much protection. In any case, it never lasts very long because it is degraded quickly. Thompsons uses this and you have to apply it frequently.

Overall, it's a battle to keep a deck looking nice, and a tradeoff between labor, money and what it is you expect. Try the products that Consumers recommended. They are at least objective in their ratings.

Doc