Clear Decking Oil

Clear Decking Oil Instructions

The Clear Decking Oil can be used on all types of wooden decking. As a clear oil, it is designed to enhance the natural features of the decking, rather than to mask them like a stain or paint would. You should use the Clear Decking Oil if you love the natural looking of decking and want to enhance and protect it.

Preparation for Clear Decking Oil

Before applying the Clear Decking Oil you need to make sure the decking has been prepared correctly. There are three states your decking may be in, and the instructions differ slightly between each state; new, weathered and previously stained.

Preparation - New Decking

Most new decking is slightly waterproof, and this protection could stop the oil from soaking in properly. To oil new decking, you need to first clean off the waterproof protection. Do this with our Decking Cleaner.

Preparation - Weathered Decking

Clean the decking first with our Decking Cleaner to restore it to its original colour. This will remove all dirt and green staining caused by mould and algae; greatly improving the results of the Clear Decking Oil.

Preparation - previously stained decking

Remove any loose, flaking or peeling old finishes from previously coated surfaces. Our Decking Cleaner and a good scrub should achieve this, but you may need to use a paint stripper on some painted surfaces. 

Applying Clear Decking Oil

The decking must be clean and dry. Shake or stir the oil thoroughly. Apply the oil liberally with our Decking Applicator , moving in the direction of the grain. Be sure to cover all the wood, including any edges, for maximum protection. Leave for five minutes for the oil to penetrate into the wood and then wipe off any excess oil with a clean brush or lint free cloth.

If you do not have a Decking Applicator, you can also apply the oil with a paint brush. 

It is very important to wipe off the excess Decking Oil prior to leaving it to dry. The idea is for the Clear Decking Oil to penetrate the wood and enhance the decking, not pool on the surface. So wiping the excess oil off will help you achieve a much nicer finish on the decking.

Clear Decking Oil Drying Time

The decking will be showerproof in just two hours, depending on temperature and humidity conditions. If you're applying a second coat of oil, allow 4-6 hours drying time between coats and apply the second coat in the same way as the first.

We recommend applying two coats of the Clear Decking Oil to get maximum protection on the decking.

Clean Up

Simply remove as much oil from your applicator pad as possible and then clean in warm soapy water. The same clean up instructions apply if you used a paint brush.

Maintenance with Clear Decking Oil

To conserve the performance and look of the oiled finish, you should sweep the decking with a stiff broom on a regular basis to remove any loose dirt, leaves or any other contaminants which can degrade the decking finish or timber over time. This is very important in Autumn and Winter months when wet leaves may accumulate on the decking.

Depending on how much traffic the decking is subjected to, and how much weathering it receives, the decking should be inspected on a regular basis and be retreated with a maintenance coat of the Clear Decking Oil once you can see it starting to look a little worn and tired or when water is no longer being repelled. Simply clean the area to be maintained and apply a thin coat of oil in that area.

Otherwise, we recommend to re-apply the Clear Decking Oil once a year for complete protection, and to maintain the lovely finish.