How to remove marks on new Merabu decking?

[venki2venki]

Hi,

I recently had Merbau decking installed and I’m now looking to stain it to match my entry door, which was finished with Cabot’s Exterior Varnish Stain (Tint Base & Charcoal colour).

The deck has been exposed to the weather for the past few weeks to allow natural tannins to leach. As a test, I washed some offcuts a few times to remove any surface oils or colour, then applied two coats of the stain, one day apart. I left the stained samples outdoors for two days, but now I’m noticing dust and visible footprints on the surface.

Could anyone advise on how to properly prepare and stain the deck to:

• Avoid issues like dust settling or footprints showing up

• Ensure a clean, professional finish

Any tips or recommended products/processes would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Sample

[EricL]

Hello @venki2venki 

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

This particular phenomenon is quite common especially with dark coloured surfaces and where dust is present. Even dark coloured cabinets inside the house have this issue as dust is so much more visible on dark surfaces when compared to a light-coloured surface. To reduce the amount of dust flowing into your decking area I suggest using outdoor blinds such as the Coolaroo 2.1 x 2.4m Charcoal Crank Operated Outdoor Blind With Premium Pelmet or perhaps the Bistro Blinds 300 x 240cm Charcoal Shade Screen - 3000mm x 2400mm.

These barriers should reduce the amount of dust flowing onto the deck. However, a bit of dust will eventually make it through, and you'll need to sweep the surface of the deck to remove the build-up. My other suggestion is to cover the bottom of the deck with weedmat and gravel to not only facilitate water drainage but to prevent the dust from the bottom of the deck from rising up through the decking panel gaps. If you have any sections of your yard that has exposed soil, I suggest covering it with weedmat and some pebbles to prevent dust from being picked up by the wind.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[venki2venki]

Thanks for the reply Eric, the decking is at the front of the house. The sample off cut are still little stickey even after 3 days is this normal & if I use a light colour will that still be stickey and what is the cure time for the varnish stain.

[EricL]

Hello @venki2venki 

If you look at the back of the can the varnish stain will have a guide in regards to drying times. It's important that the first coat must be totally cured before you apply the second coat. If the second coat is applied too early the first coat will not dry properly and you will be left with a sticky uncured surface. The same rule applies to other varnish stains. My best advice is to follow the directions printed at the back of the can. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric