How to remove footprints on oiled deck?

[jimbaba]

Hi

I recently oiled my deck (merbau) however I have accidently used oil base instead of water based. I normally use feast watson wet look but I have mistakenly rolled the traditional oil. (Hence why it was taking forever to try). It has been a week now and the deck is still slightly tacky but getting better day by day. The issue I have atm is that we had walked on it whilst it was still tacky on day 2 and you can now see footprints. Is there anyway to remove the footprints? Will another coat cover them or do i need to sand and strip? 

[EricL]

Hello @jimbaba 

Since the oil-based finish is still slightly tacky, it seems like it needs more time to fully cure. The footprints are likely embedded in the surface because of the still-soft finish. One option would be to wait a little longer for the finish to fully dry and harden. If the footprints aren't too deep, another coat of oil might help to level the surface and blend them in, especially if it's an oil-based finish, as it tends to self-level.

However, if the footprints are noticeable and persistent, I suggest sanding the affected area lightly with a fine-grit sandpaper (around 240-grit) it might help smooth it out. After sanding, you can apply a light coat of the same oil to blend the area. If the footprints have caused a significant issue and the finish still feels tacky, you may need to strip the area and start again. Just be cautious of sanding too much, as it could damage the surface or alter the finish, especially since it’s merbau.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[jimbaba]

Thanks Eric. What product do you recommend to slightly strip. It's not just a few footsteps unfortunately it's every where. I've tried to recoat one little section but prints are still visible 

 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @jimbaba,

I've discussed this issue with the Feast Watson technical team, and unfortunately, regardless of the footprints, your coating was going to fail. The oil-based product cannot be applied over the water-based one because it needs to penetrate into the timber. Since the previous water-based coating sits on top of the timber, it has prevented the oil-based finish from soaking in and curing properly.

Even if the footprints hadn’t occurred, if the oil-based product had eventually dried, it wouldn't have lasted long. It would likely chip and delaminate in a short time due to the water-based coating beneath.

Unfortunately, the only way to fix this now is to sand the deck back to bare timber to remove both the oil-based and the now-damaged water-based coatings. I know this isn’t the news you were hoping for, and I’m sorry to be the one to deliver it. 

Here's a helpful guide: How to sand a deck.

Let me know if you need any guidance on sanding or recoating once the deck is prepped. 

Mitchell

[jimbaba]

Thanks Mitchell. Thought that would be the case. Better get to sanding! Once sanded can I just apply water base decking oil over the top or do I need to prep it with a chemical?