Easy step-by-step plan: oiling a deck
Oiling your deck protects the wood against weather, dirt and wear, while preserving its natural look. With Osmo Terras-Olie, good preparation and two thin coats, your deck will stay beautiful and easy to maintain for years.
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Oiling a wooden deck is like a good wine: with the right care, it only gets better. Oiling is essential to bring out that natural charm and keep enjoying your outdoor space all year round. In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about oiling and maintaining a wooden deck, and we give you a step-by-step guide so you can do it yourself.
Why oil your deck?
Oiling your deck is more important than you might think. One of the main reasons to oil your deck is protection against the weather. A deck is constantly exposed to sun, rain and temperature fluctuations. A good oil treatment forms a protective layer that shields the wood from these elements. Oiling your deck also gives you a durable and attractive surface, so your deck looks fresh and well cared for year after year. In short, if you want your deck to last a long time and always look its best, you will need to oil it.
Choose the right oil
The choice of oil for your deck is crucial for the durability, appearance and protection of the wood. Deck oils can vary in composition, durability, UV protection and absorption. Choosing the right oil can make the difference between a deck that lasts only a few years and one that keeps looking great for decades.
To give your deck optimal protection and a beautiful finish, the best choice is Osmo Terras-Olie. Because this product contains hardwax as well as oil, just two coats create a strong protective layer against moisture, dirt and damage. Osmo Terras-Olie penetrates deep into the wood and protects it from within, so the natural look and feel of the wood is preserved. Want to make sure you never slip on your deck again? Then apply Osmo Antislip Terras-Olie as the final top coat.
Video: oiling a deck
Terras oliën: zo zet je jouw vlonder in de olie
Before you start: supplies and preparation
Before you start, we recommend gathering everything you need first. Choose a Terras-Olie that suits your wood species and the look you want.
Preparing a deck
Before you can start oiling the deck, it may need some preparation. Are you planning to oil a new deck? Then you can usually get started right away. Has the deck turned gray? Then you will first need to remove the graying. You can do this with Osmo Power-Gel Houtontgrijzer. Does the deck still have an old coat of varnish or stain? Then you will need to remove it by sanding. To make sure the deck is completely bare and even, and that the new coat of oil adheres well, we recommend sanding in three passes. Start with 40 grit sandpaper, continue with 80 grit and finish with 120 grit. After sanding, make the deck completely dust-free with a broom or by mopping with a slightly damp mop.
The deck must be completely dry before you start oiling. After rain, it is best to wait 24 hours. Make sure you do not work in direct sunlight: bright sun can make the finish dry too quickly, which can result in an uneven appearance.
Oiling a wooden deck: step-by-step instructions
Ready to tackle your deck? We are happy to help you get started with a step-by-step plan.
Stir
Stir the can of Terras-Olie thoroughly with the stirring stick for about one minute. This distributes the ingredients and pigments evenly through the product.
Tricky spots first
Start with the edges along the sides of the deck and between the boards. Use the block brush on a telescopic handle for this. Work in thin coats, in the direction of the boards and along the full length of the surface as much as possible.
Work in thin coats
Then apply Terras-Olie to the large surface. Start in the corner diagonally opposite where you need to finish. Apply the oil to the boards with the block brush on a telescopic handle. Work in thin coats, in the direction of the boards and along the full length of the surface as much as possible.
Brush out
Go over the deck again with an almost dry block brush. This removes any lap marks left by the brush.
Drying
Let the deck dry for at least 12 hours (at 23 °C and 50% relative humidity). At lower temperatures or higher humidity, drying takes longer. Always make sure there is good ventilation, and do not apply the oil in bad weather or rain.
Second coat
Apply a second coat (see steps 2 to 5).
Maintaining your deck
Now that your deck looks great again, you naturally want to keep it that way for as long as possible. Cleaning the deck regularly is essential to extend its lifespan. Try to clean the deck thoroughly at least twice a year, for example at the beginning and end of the outdoor season. You can do this with a mild all-purpose cleaner solution and a mop. Want to really clean the wood and remove dirt and algae? Then it is best to use Osmo Terrasreiniger.
Does your deck eventually need a fresh coat? For example, is the wood showing through the color, or is the deck getting dry patches? Then simply apply a new coat in the same color after cleaning. Because Terras-Olie bonds with the wood, it will not peel or crack. That means you never have to sand again!
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