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Treating bankirai wood: step-by-step plan and tips

Bankirai is one of the most popular wood species for outdoor use, such as decks, terraces and fences. To preserve the natural look and long lifespan of bankirai, it is important to treat this hardwood properly. In this guide, you will learn how to treat and protect your bankirai the right way, and which products you need.

Hand applying an Osmo product to bankirai wood with a pad

What you need for this tutorial;

Bankirai is one of the most popular wood species for outdoor use, such as decks, terraces and fences. To preserve the natural look and long lifespan of bankirai, it is important to treat this hardwood properly. In this guide, you will learn how to treat and protect your bankirai the right way, and which products you need.

Videos: Treating bankirai wood

In these videos you will see how to oil decking and which oil to choose for bankirai.

Terras oliën: zo zet je jouw vlonder in de olie

Terras oliën: zo zet je jouw vlonder in de olie

Bankirai olie bestaat eigenlijk niet

Bankirai olie bestaat eigenlijk niet

Step-by-step plan: treating bankirai

Ready to treat your bankirai wood? We are happy to give you a handy step-by-step plan so you can get started right away.

1

Clean the bankirai

Start by cleaning the bankirai surface. Use a stiff brush to remove dirt and deposits. No products are needed yet at this stage.

Sweeping a wooden deck
2

Remove graying

Has the wood turned gray? Then use Osmo Power-Gel to bring back the original color. No sanding is required.

How does it work?

  1. Apply the Power-Gel to the surface with a soft brush.
  2. Let it work for 20 minutes, then scrub thoroughly while adding water.
  3. Rinse with water and let the wood dry completely.
Applying Power-Gel to a wooden deck
3

Apply the oil

Choose the right oil depending on the application:

  • Horizontal wood surfaces (such as a deck or terrace): use Osmo Terras-Olie on untreated wood. It is available in two bankirai shades: 006 Bankirai (light) and 016 Bankirai donker (dark).
  • Vertical wood surfaces (such as a fence): choose Osmo UV-Beschermingsolie.
    This oil gives the right protection against moisture and UV radiation.
  1. Apply a thin coat of oil with a block brush or roller.
  2. Let the oil dry for 12 to 24 hours.
  3. Apply a second coat to protect the surface as well as possible and get the best result.
Stirring an Osmo can
24-48 hours
4

Keep your bankirai looking great

To preserve the protection and color of your bankirai wood, we recommend cleaning the surface with Osmo Terrasreiniger twice a year, ideally in March and November, before and after summer. This helps slow down graying and keeps the surface in good condition for as long as possible.

If needed, it is wise to treat the wood surface once a year with the oil that was already applied, depending on the weather conditions.

Wooden deck in the sun

Tips for treating bankirai

  • Choose Osmo Terras-Olie in 006 Bankirai to give your hardwood optimal protection and preserve its natural look.
  • Use a brush for smaller wood surfaces and a roller for larger areas.
  • Work in thin coats for an even finish and low consumption.
  • Watch the video below for a clear explanation of the right steps to treat bankirai wood.

Supplies

Bankirai wood is best treated with these products:

Color examples

Benefits of Osmo Terras-Olie for bankirai

Osmo offers high-quality products for treating wood. Some of the benefits:

  • Protection against moisture, UV radiation and dirt.
  • Easy to apply with a brush or roller.
  • Durable, long-lasting protection.
  • Preserves the natural look of the wood.
  • The oil gives a beautiful finish in which the wood grain remains clearly visible, for example on deck boards.
  • An Osmo treatment does not cause the wood to warp.

Maintenance advice

Maintain your bankirai wood every year:

  • Remove dirt and deposits with a brush.
  • Treat the wood again with the same Osmo oil, for example Terras-Olie in 006 Bankirai.
  • Check regularly for wear or damage.

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