Can You Stain IPE?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Can you stain IPE? Can Ipe be stained?

Ipe is so dense that staining it doesn’t really work the same as other woods

. but you can certainly use a protective coating that looks and acts like a “stain”.

What is the best stain for ipe wood?

Make sure to choose a wood stain that is designed for dense wood such as IPE: IPE Decking Stains All of these stains are transparent but pigmented stains. Our most popular are:

Ipe Oil, Messmers UV Plus for Hardwoods, Defy Hardwood Stain, Penofin Exotic Wood Stain, and Armstrong Clark in Mahogany Color

.

How do you prepare an Ipe deck for staining?

Can ipe wood be varnished?

How do you apply Ipe stain?

Most of the IPE Deck Stains can be applied

using a brush, roller, pump, or airless sprayer

. Be sure to cover plants, windows, concrete, or any areas that you do not want to get the stain on. Allow the IPE Wood Stain to penetrate the surface for several minutes before wiping away the excess stain.

Can Ipe be stained black?

Can Ipe be stained?

Ipe is so dense that staining it doesn’t really work the same as other woods

. but you can certainly use a protective coating that looks and acts like a “stain”.

Does Ipe darken over time?

1.

Ipe will always darken with any oils

.

Is it OK to pressure wash Ipe?

Pressure Washing


Using a pressure washer isn’t recommended for regular cleaning of Ipe decking

. Power washers use high pressure which can damage and roughen the surface of the wood. Use a shop vac to remove debris and dirt from between planks, a soft-bristle broom to sweep it off, or just a regular garden hose.

How do you keep Ipe looking new?

If you love the color of your new deck and want to preserve those hues, you’ll need to

use a sealer on your ipe every year or two

. Consider Hardwood Decking’s Ipe Oil Hardwood Deck Finish & UV Protector. This product protects and preserves the beauty of your ipe deck.

How do I refinish my Ipe deck?

How long does it take for Ipe to turn GREY?

An experienced ipe deck builder told me to not sand ipe as you remove the layers of dead cells which absorb the sealer. That was why it turned grey in about

4-5 months

. Also, lay the boards end grain curving downward to drain better and avoid “cupping” after rain.

Can Ipe be painted?

First, sand the ipe with coarse-grit sandpaper to rough up the surface a bit. This will give the paint something to cling to. Then, apply several layers of oil-based primer. Finally,

you can paint the ipe, but use an oil-based paint instead of the usual latex stuff

.

Can I use teak oil on ipe wood?

To help prolong the rich-reddish brown natural tones inherent in the wood,

the Ipe should be oiled with a hardwood oil that contains UV inhibitors

– brands that are readily available are Penofin for Exotic Hardwoods (clear version) and Watco Teak Oil.

Does ipe wood come in different colors?


The color of Ipe heartwood is a rich brown with red and amber hues and varies considerably from board to board

. Ipe wood decking grain is extremely dense and tight with visible cathedral arches and contrasting grain patterns throughout.

How long does Ipe need to dry before staining?

Ipe should dry for

1 day

before staining. Be sure to check the weather prior to beginning your staining project. Ipe Hardwood Finish can be applied using a brush, roller, pad applicator, or sprayer.

Can you leave ipe wood untreated?

Ipe is over 3 times harder than Teak and

if you leave Ipe untreated it will turn a beautiful silver grey

. When Ipe turns grey it still shows the beautiful wood grain and maintains all of its durability and will still last up to 75 years or more.

Does ipe wood expand and contract?

This allows the wood to come into equilibrium with the local conditions. During this acclimatization period

the wood could expand or contract as much as 1/8′′ on 4′′ wide boards and 1/4′′ on 6′′ boards

, so it is essential to let the wood move before it is screwed to a rigid sub-structure.

Does ipe wood crack?


Ipe Decking dries and contracts, leaving tiny cracks in the face or at the ends of the boards

. These tiny cracks are known as checks. Face checking is a very normal and is very difficult to see. It does not affect the durability, longevity or water-resistant benefits.

Is Ipe the hardest wood?

Ipe Hardwood

Ipe or Brazilian walnut is

top-notch if you want the hardest and most durable flooring on the market

. It boasts a Janka rating of 3,680, making it extremely hard to dent.

Will termites eat Ipe?

Do termites like Ipe decking? Surprisingly,

enough termites and other insects from Brazil and the United States tend to stay away from Ipe Decking

. Not because Ipe decking isn’t delicious, but because this material is extremely dense. Ipe is so impervious that insects, including termites, don’t stand a chance.

Does ipe wood get hot in the sun?

If you’re looking for the best wood decking that stays cool in the summer, there’s no better choice than Ipe lumber. This extraordinary wood

naturally retains less heat than its plastic, metallic, and composite counterparts

, so you can stay barefoot and cool, having nothing to worry about.

How do you brighten Ipe?

To brighten and re-establish the pH balance of Ipe wood to best accept the Penofin

®

Verde Oil Finish,

use Penofin

®

Pro-Tech Wood Brightener, then rinse off with water and allow to dry completely. Apply Penofin

®

Verde Oil Finish as directed on the can, letting it penetrate for 30 minutes

.

How do you maintain ipe wood?

Another mistake many homeowners make with Ipe decking is avoiding cleaning products on the wood. You should

routinely sweep or vacuum the surface and rinse with a garden hose to wash away debris that can stain the wood, such as dirt, pollen, or sap

. You can also use wood-safe cleaners to wipe away any remaining spots.

What is the best way to clean Ipe deck?


Mix a 1⁄3 cup of bleach to a gallon of warm water

. Be sure to rinse well after mopping. Cleaning with bleach is also a good way to remove pollen or algae that may collect seasonally. Your ipe deck can also be scrubbed with a brush with the bleach solution, or with a wood cleaner like Murphy’s oil soap.

How long will an ipe deck last?

Ipe is more durable than other woods.

Within ipe wood are natural oils that preserve it; combined with the wood’s exceptional density, you can expect an ipe deck or fence to last

up to 50 years

without replacement.

Should I sand my Ipe deck?

If ever you skipped maintenance for a longer period of time and the wood has become grey, we recommend a good pressure wash (Saicos Wood Brightener works well). Let it dry for a day or two, then

give it a light sanding to smooth and remove any remaining grey spots

– and is ready to oil, very simple.

Do I need to sand my Ipe deck?

Ipe Deck Maintenance

Typically Requires Cleaning and/or Sanding

.

What is the best oil for Ipe decking?

The Best Finish for an Ipe Deck

Advantage Lumber recommends

Ipe Oil

and WiseCoat, which are comparable products, although WiseCoat produces a slightly darker color. Penofin Oil Finish is another solvent-based penetrating oil finish designed for dense hardwoods, such as ipe.

Is Ipe wood dust toxic?

What tree does Ipe wood come from?

Ipe comes from the

Tabebuia Tree

, which is native to the American tropics and subtropics from Mexico and the Caribbean to Argentina. The wood is sourced from a very large geographic area.

How do you keep Ipe looking new?

If you love the color of your new deck and want to preserve those hues, you’ll need to

use a sealer on your ipe every year or two

. Consider Hardwood Decking’s Ipe Oil Hardwood Deck Finish & UV Protector. This product protects and preserves the beauty of your ipe deck.

Is Penofin good for Ipe?

Why does Penofin turn black?

If you put your hand on the wood and it is uncomfortably hot,

it is too hot to apply Penofin

. The product may flash (like oil in a hot pan) and dry on the surface. This will eventually cause darkening, and the coat will chip and peel. If your nose is cold, it is too cold to apply Penofin.

What oil do you use on Ipe wood?


Ipe Oil®

protects, nourishes and conditions the wood from within while maintaining a completely natural appearance. For exceptional results on Ipe, Tigerwood, Cumaru and other exotic hardwoods, Ipe Oil

®

and Ipe Oil

®

PlusTM are your perfect solution. 250 VOC Restrictions!

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.