How to restore my deck?

[Mads1805]

Hey Guys,

This is my first DIY project and i am trying to do my best with my limited skills

Presently getting my deck restored. The first few pics are before i sanded it off and the remaining are after sanding with drum roller hired with 80 grit paper and the edges and sides have been done with Ozite detail hand sander with 80 grit paper.

Few questions:

1. I have sanded with 80 Grit only. Do i need to sand with a 120 grit or more as well or i can go ahead with this ?

2. As you can see the ends of the deck which are exposed to weather are greyed. Do i use a Deck brightener/cleaner there or is there any other thing i can do ? Recommendations would help. I have sanded it already.

3. The Deck boards at the end are bit a uneven i.e. "up and down" probably due to it being weathered over time. May be the reason the sanding is not the best ?  Will oiling also be an issue for the decks at the end ?
4. Do i wet clean it before oiling it or just oil it after blowing out the sand ?
5. I am using the Feast Watson Wet look Decking Oil as this was what was use by the previous owner. Is there a top coat required after oiling for protection from weather conditions or UV ?

6. I also have the previous owners Left over deck oil which is the same brand and type. Can i use that or its not advisable to use since its old ? Don't know how old it is though ? 

Is there anything else i should consider and know ?

Thanks for all the help and hope to get answers to complete this over the next 2 days. Before sanding Before sanding Before sanding After sanding After sanding After sanding

 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Mads1805. It's fantastic to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about restoring a deck.

You're doing a fantastic job so far — especially for your first DIY project! It looks like you’ve put a lot of effort into it already.

Since you've sanded about 95% of the deck with 80-grit, I’d definitely recommend finishing it off properly by sanding back the patches before moving onto oiling. To get a consistent, smooth finish and remove any scratch marks left by the 80-grit, it’s a good idea to go over the deck with 120-grit paper. It doesn’t take too long and will really help the final result.

Even though you’ve sanded, you should still use a deck cleaner like Cabot’s Deck Clean before you apply any oil. It helps remove fine dust, tannins, and any greying that’s still left, especially on those end boards you mentioned. It will also open up the timber grain to help the oil soak in better.

Oiling the ends of the boards won't be an issue — in fact, it’s the best thing you can do to protect them from more weather damage. Just take a little extra time to make sure the oil gets right into those exposed ends.

You won’t need a separate top coat after applying the Feast Watson Wet Look Decking Oil. That product is designed to be the protection itself, including against UV. Just make sure you apply the number of coats recommended on the tin.

As for the leftover oil, if you’re not sure how old it is, I’d personally stick with a fresh can. Old oil can go off over time, especially if it’s been opened, and using it could cause problems with curing or appearance.

Other than that, you’re on the home stretch! Take your time between coats, avoid doing it in direct sun or extreme heat, and you’ll have a fantastic-looking deck when you’re done.

Here's a helpful guide: How to oil your deck.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Mads1805]

Hey @MitchellMc  ,

This is really helpful. Appreciate the feedback and giving me more clarity on the way forward.

Do you think i should use a 60-or 40 grit on the greyed boards to get the fresh timber and removing the greying then clean it and oil after ?

or just go ahead and sand with 120 grit to smoothen and then use the cabots clean up which i assume will take care of the greyed boards ?

[MitchellMc]

The Deck Clean will do a good job of removing the greyed timber @Mads1805.  You might like to give the deck a clean and see how they come up. If you are not satisfied with the result, you can sand more.

Mitchell

[Mads1805]

Thanks @MitchellMc i will try it out.

[Mads1805]

Hi @MitchellMc 

Hope you had a great easter.

An update on the project:

i have completed one coat and waited for it to dry completely before giving another coat. The weather was not favourable on the following day and work pressure and family commitments did not give me enough  time to complete the next coat.

its been 7 days since the first coat. 
The next few days also predict rain so dont plan to do it so possibly have to do it over the weekend hoping for better weather.

Do you think i should sand again as there will be a gap of almost 10 days since first coat? Really dont want to do it again.

The first coat seems lighter in some areas of the deck and darker in some patches probably due to clear sanding in places. Will a second and 3rd coat even it out or other steps i should take ?

Appreciate the help.

Cheers

Mads

[EricL]

Hello @Mads1805 

Generally, if 10 days have passed after the first coat of decking oil or stain, you likely won't need to sand the deck surface again before applying the second coat. However, it's always a good idea to check the product guidelines for specific recommendations. If you are using a dark oil or stain, then a second or third application will make the surface dark, and it just might be enough to even out the finish. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Mads1805]

Thanks Eric. I will look into this and get back if there is anything I am missing.