On 15 Jul 2003 03:10:42 GMT, Ignoramus26420
wrote:

We have hired a company to refinish our deck. When they sent us a
proposal, they specified two coats of their sealant. When workers
came, they acted all surprised when I requested that they come again
to put the second coat. I had to talk on the phone to the "manager"
who tried to convince me that I do not need two coats, that it was a
mistake etc. Their sealant, upon close examination, appears to be an
oil based stain diluted with solvent such as mineral spirits. They
said that second coat of that product will not penetrate and the deck
will forever remain oily.

My general and limited woodworking experience suggests that for a 20
year old and dry weathered wood, it will absorb an additional coat. I
requested that they leave a little bit of their sealant and tried
applying it again today, and alas, it was absorbed by the wood after I
wiped off the excess. I am sure that a second coat will make the
treatment last longer.

So I do want a second coat. Any thoughts on my decision making
process?

The color that they applied is called california cedar, but is more
reminiscent of baby ****. That's to say that it is brown and not very
transparent. But it looks not so bad and it was our choice.

What I am thinking about however, is VARNISHING the deck on top of
coating. Both the treatment and varnish would be oil based. I will
thusly benefit from their sanding of the deck, and their treatment
will allow me to use less varnish. I tried varnishing one rail with
captain's spar urethane, and it looked frankly pretty good. Has anyone
varnished a weathered deck? Is that a crazy idea? Maybe I should
varnish rails only?

Thanks!

i

i,
1.) if the proposal was for two coats, then you should get two
coats, or the price should be reduced to your satisfaction.
2.) you stated that "they make this stuff themselves". What did you
buy? It could be olive oil with coffee grounds for cripes sake.
Sorry.
3.) do not varnish ANY of this deck, or any more railings. You will
regret it. (Reasons: the oil product-whatever it is- is not set yet.
Your varnish will peel and flake. Varnish does not do well over
weathered wood, with unknown oil finishes. It will peel and flake.
Varnish looks great on solid, smooth surfaces. On your deck, it will
peel and flake.
4.) I am sorry to say it, but the time to ask questions was before
the sealant was applied. I have extensive experience in woodworking
and cabinet making, and I have no idea (from reading your posts) what
sealant was applied. DON'T varnish.
5.) if the sealant dried satisfactorily, and if you can live with the
color, demand the second coat as agreed. Don't worry too much about
"pooling", buy a cheap string mop and spread it. If the first coat
dried, the second will also. Two coats of "sumpthin" is generally
better than one if you are simply looking to seal the wood.

Good luck,
noah

Courtesy of Lee Yeaton,
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