Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Stain

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Stain is suitable for all types of new and old garden decking.

• Have grooved decking? You'll normally need double the quantity. Our handy coverage calculator will help you choose the right amount
• Looking for a quick drying decking stain? Use Ronseal Quick Drying Decking Stain

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

New Decking Preparation

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

New softwood decking

1. Treat with Clear Ronseal Total Wood Preservative (as this is wax-free) for the best protection. (The coloured versions contain wax which will cause adhesion problems)
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 staining

New hardwood decking

Hardwood decking usually requires a period of weathering to allow the surface grain to open. This allows for better adhesion of the decking stain. Check the decking manufacturer's guidance on how long decking should 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 staining. 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 Ronseal Decking Cleaner and Reviver
3. To restore the colour of decking that has turned grey or silver over time, treat with Ronseal Decking Restorer
4. Then treat as 'New Decking' above

Always do a test area before starting any project to check product suitability and final finish. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the tin.

Do not apply in wet or damp conditions, or if rain, frost, or snow is due, before the product is dry.

Please note: Decked areas must be completely dry before staining. This means that decking boards must have been stored in a warm, dry environment for several weeks with spacers to allow airflow between the boards. For decking already laid and in situ, it is recommended that the boards are first treated with a mould and mildew cleaner and then left to dry for a period of a week in warm, dry conditions to allow any moisture in the wood to evaporate. Applying this product to wood that is not adequately dry or where mould or algae spores are present in the timber may result in the stain prematurely failing and coming away from the wood. The recommended time for applying this product is in the warmer, drier spring and summer months.

All white and grey products contain titanium zinc which is heavier than the other ingredients in this product. Because of this, it tends to sink to the bottom of the tin and forms a sludge or sediment on the bottom of the tin. This decking stain requires a prolonged period of stirring to ensure that all the colour pigments and other product ingredients are thoroughly mixed. It is therefore vital that this product is stirred for several minutes, prior and periodically during application, to ensure that any concentrations or titanium zinc sediment at the bottom of the tin are thoroughly intermixed. Failure to stir before and during application may result in an inconsistent colour or finish.

1. Apply a thin, even film of decking stain with a suitable decking applicator
2. Work the stain in the direction of the wood grain
3. Work along the length of 2 or 3 boards at a time
4. Allow 4 hours between coats dependent on environmental conditions
5. Apply a second coat as above
6. Allow 24 hours to dry completely before heavy use

Two coats of Ronseal Ultimate Decking Stain are usually sufficient, but this may vary depending on the type of decking timber and its absorbency.

Regular Cleaning

To preserve the look and performance of the decking stain for longer, it is recommended that decked areas 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 mould and mildew cleaner or fungicidal wash. The condition of wooden decking should be inspected on a regular basis and treated 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 Ultimate Protection Decking Stain to the affected area.

The decking should be inspected on a yearly basis and a fresh coat applied to maintain the colour and protection of the decking

Ronseal specifically recommend applying this using a good quality wide brush designed for the application of water based finishes such as Ronseal Fence Life Brush or Woodleys Decking Applicator Pad. They do not suggest spray application of this product.