Ronseal Decking Stain

Ronseal Decking Stain is a pigmented decking stain that colours and protects a wide range of wooden decking.

• Have grooved decking boards? You'll normally need double the quantity. Our handy coverage calculator (see above) will help you choose the right amount
• Looking for ultimate protection in a decking stain? See Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Stain

Decked areas to be treated must be clean, dry and free from traces of dust, dirt, oil, grease, wax and silicone.

New Decking Preparation

For all bare wood decking including tanalised, pressure treated and preservative impregnated decking timbers.

New softwood decking

1. Treat the decking with Ronseal Total Wood Preservative for best protection
2. If possible, preserve all sides including end grain prior to installation
3. Sweep the decking with a stiff broom to remove all traces of surface dirt and debris
4. Use a suitable decking cleaner if required, before oiling

New hardwood decking

Hardwood decking usually requires a period of weathering to allow the surface grain to open up. This allows for better adhesion of the decking stain. Check the decking manufacturer's guidance on how long decking should be left to weather before treating.

Old Decking Preparation

Old 'coating' type finishes such as decking paints, varnishes and varnish type stains must be fully removed back to bare wood before oiling. Depending on the condition and type of finish, it may require more than one attempt to fully remove the old coating.

1. Ensure that all 'coating' type finishes have been fully removed to expose bare wood by either jet washing or using Ronseal Decking Stripper
2. Clean old decking oil finishes thoroughly with a suitable decking cleaner
3. To clean and restore decking that has turned grey or silver over time, treat with Ronseal Decking Cleaner and Reviver, then Ronseal Decking Restorer
4. Then treat as 'New Decking' above

Please Note: Ronseal Decking Stain is not compatible with garden decking that has been previously oiled as the oil in the timber will prevent the decking stain from bonding. Previously oiled decking boards should be allowed to weather for at least a year and scrubbed with methylated spirit before attempting to apply this product.

Always do a test area before starting any project to assess product suitability and final finish. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the tin at all times.

Do not apply in wet conditions or if rain, frost or snow is likely before the product is dry. Decked areas should be completely dry before application. Stir the decking stain thoroughly before and periodically during application.

1. Apply to 3-4 boards at a time to avoid overlap marks or dry edges in the final finish
2. Apply Ronseal Decking Stain liberally, with a suitable decking stain brush or other decking applicator
3. Spread the decking stain evenly along the length of the decking boards
4. Allow the first coat to dry for 4 hours
5. Apply a second coat when the first has fully dried
6. Allow 24 hours to dry completely before subjecting the decking to foot traffic

Regular Cleaning

To preserve the look and performance of the stained finish for longer it is recommended that decking boards are swept with a stiff broom on a regular basis. This is to remove loose leaves, dirt and other organic matter that can settle on the deck and in the grooves, which can degrade or damage the finish and decking timbers over time.

If signs of mould or algae appear, use an appropriate garden decking cleaner. The condition of decking should be inspected on a regular basis and re-treated with a fresh coat of Ronseal Decking Stain as required.

Deep Cleaning

Scuff marks, stains, grease and other surface contaminates should be cleaned with a suitable decking cleaner.

Maintenance

Inspect the finish on an annual basis and apply a fresh coat of decking stain as and when required.

Repair

Stubborn marks and stains may require a light sanding before re-applying a thin coat of Ronseal Decking Stain to the affected area.

Q. Can Ronseal Decking Stain be used on new hardwood decking such as Iroko?

A. Additional care should be taken with exotic hardwood decking such as Iroko, Teak, Ipe, Garapa and Balau. These woods are naturally oily and as a result, can be problematic with surface type coatings such as decking paints, varnishes and coating type decking stains. The natural oils in the wood can make it difficult for the stain to bond with the surface of the timber, which can result in the stain de-laminating or coming away from the surface of the deck.

Surface type coating can be used but the timber should be allowed to weather for several months and/or de-greased with methylated spirit before application. Our recommendation for these types of exotic hardwoods is to use a clear or coloured Decking Oil, especially a highly refined or extra thin oil that will penetrate the tight grain of dense hardwoods.