How to correct uneven oil on black butt decking?

[DanW86]

  

Hello, 

We have just recently put in blackbutt decking. We let it weather for about 3-4 weeks then sanded and oiled deck twice. After the second oil we had heavy rain which displaced the oil. I then gave it a few days to fully dry out and gave the whole deck another sand with 120,180,240 grit paper. 
Now I have oiled it again once, it has come through uneven and you can really see where the sanding wasn't all 100% the same. 
Will more coats of oil even put the colour? 
please don't tell me I have to sand it all back again. That would be heart and back breaking.

Thank you

Dan 

[EricL]

Hello @DanW86 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your deck.

It sounds like you've put a lot of effort into your blackbutt decking (which looks wonderful by the way), and I completely understand why you’d want to avoid another full sanding. The uneven finish is likely due to variations in how the timber absorbed the oil after sanding, especially since different grits can change how much oil soaks in. Fortunately, you don’t necessarily have to sand it all back again additional coats of oil can help even out the appearance over time.

I propose applying another thin, even coat of oil and allow it to fully penetrate before wiping off any excess. Try to use the same application method and pressure across the entire deck to avoid further inconsistencies. If certain areas still appear patchy or too absorbent, a light buffing with a clean, dry cloth after application can help blend the finish.

If, after another coat or two, you still see significant unevenness, I recommend spot treating the lighter areas with a bit of extra oil and blending it in can help balance things out. Over time, as the oil cures and you reapply maintenance coats, the finish should become more uniform. Let me know how it progresses—I hope this saves you and your back from having to sand everything back!

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[DanW86]

Thanks for that advice Eric. 

At the moment the deck is still absorbing all the oil and there is no excess to wipe off. 

I just didn't want to get to 4-5 coats and then realise I have to sand it all back again. 
I might do one more coat and then try blending the light areas on the following coat.
What type of cloth should I use to try and blend the oil. Just an old t-shirt? 

Thanks again Eric 

[EricL]

Hi @DanW86 

Yes, an ordinary clean cotton-based shirt should do nicely. Or you could grab a White Rags Paint Partner 1.5kg White Rags.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric