There comes a time when the deck will need to be sanded. When using Quantum coatings this will be after about 7 – 10 years, due to the build-up of old coating over time which can cause the coating to lose some of the transparency. If using acrylics, sanding every few years may be necessary..

Ideally a rain / dew free period of 48 hours is recommended after coating a deck, however this is not always possible. If it does rain you may see milkiness or white spots on the uncured coating, this is not permanent and will disappear as the coating cures.

It is uncommon for oils to stay tacky for longer than a few days but there are some circumstances that can cause this: Application in high humidity can prolong drying time. Decking oil applied in a very thick film will increase drying time. Dense timbers may cause the decking oil to take longer to dry. If the deck still feels tacky after 7 days, wash down the deck with DEX-PREP. Clean with a high pressure cleaner to remove contaminates. Reapply decking coating.

DEX PREP cleans grey, weathered (older than 12 months) and dirty timber in preparation for coating. SAP-STRIP removes tannins, oils and extractives from new timber (under 12 months). It allows the weathering process to be skipped and stops the coating being contaminated by extractives that can cause drying problems and early adhesion failure.

Decking Oils (natural finish) are designed to protect the timber without dramatically changing the colour. The oil enriches the timber to protect it from warping and cracking, ideal for use on hardwood timber. ECODEX and TIMBRE PLUS Decking are decking oils with relatively short drying times (recoat 6 hours). Decking Oil (tinted with a transparent stain), ECODEX and TIMBRE PLUS Decking may also be tinted to a range of semi transparent colours. This will change the colour of the timber without hiding the grain features of the timber. Transparent stains also provide added protection against UV rays.

This happens when the uncured water based coating comes into contact with moisture. These are not permanent and will disappear once the deck is fully cured (usually a few days of good weather).

Yes. Quantum products are designed to penetrate the timber. If the timber has been previously coated with an oil based coating, another coating will continue to penetrate the timber. Before applying your new coating, we recommend washing your deck with DEX-PREP. Decking oils cannot be applied over water based surface coating products as they cannot penetrate through the acrylic surface coatings. Acrylic coatings will need to be removed before applying your new coating. We recommend washing your deck with POWER CLEAN – Refer to Technical Data Sheet for more information.

Yes, old timber where the surface has begun to deteriorate and collect dirt (greying) can be restored by removing the top surface layer of the timber. Use DEX PREP, an oxalic based timber brightener to clean the timber. If the timber shows signs of cracking it may be necessary to sand the surface.

Traditionally timber should always be left to weather for 4-6 weeks before coating. This allows time for the tannins and oils in the timber to leach out. If the extractives aren’t removed from the timber it can result in a patchy appearance and will compromise the long term performance of the coating. Fortunately the weathering process can skipped by using Quantum’s SAP-STRIP. SAP-STRIP is a non-toxic timber cleaner designed to remove tannins and extractives from all new timber (eliminates the long weathering process). SAP-STRIP also lifts the timber grain which helps the decking oil to deeply penetrate the timber.

Work along the length of the board, if the coating dries too quickly, finely mist the timber with water to slow the drying time.

Linseed putty or exterior grade fillers.

All Quantum penetrating oils will oxidise at the end of their life span and just disappear, acrylics on the other hand will crack and peel and have to be removed before recoating.

A transparent stain adds colour to a timber surface, whilst still showing the timber grain definition. Adding a transparent stain to a clear coating will extend its lifespan, however recoat time will depend upon penetration, application and most importantly exposure to UV rays. As a guide recoat time is between 3 to 5 years.

The ideal time to coat external timber is when the temperature is rising, so early morning is the best time to start.

TIMBRE PLUS Vertical has a Teflon wax in it that helps to aid beading and repel water. TIMBRE PLUS Decking on the other hand has a non-slip wax, like surfboard wax, that helps to prevent slipping.

Opaque stains result in a solid colour but still allow the timber profile to show through unlike an acrylic that sits on the surface. Opaque stains have a longer life span, typically 5 to 7 years. Horizontal surfaces such as decking may need to be recoated more frequently, a simple wash down and re-apply is required.

No, Quantum products are designed to penetrate the timber and they cannot do this over an acrylic surface coating. If you want to recoat a surface previously coated with an acrylic, you will have to sand off the previous coating.

You can skip the weathering process normally required for new timber entirely by using SAP STRIP. SAP STRIP is a powdered timber cleaner used for removing tannins, extractives, mould and mill glaze from all new unpainted timber.

QUANTEC works by penetrating the timber, and binding the wood fibres at the surface of the timber to protect against moisture. This helps prevent swelling, cupping, splitting and warping. The benefit of using QUANTEC to protect your timber, is that unlike non-drying mineral oils QUANTEC does not stay wet on the surface while it is being fully absorbed into the timber.

As a general guide QUANTEC requires re-application every 6-12 months to prevent silvering of the timber and ensure a fresh appearance. Colour durability will vary according to factors such as the porosity of the wood, species, exposure to weather, age and the texture of the timber surface. QUANTEC is a penetrating oil that binds wood fibres together to protect against moisture. Timber that has been treated with QUANTEC will help to prevent against swelling and shrinking of the timber that causes cupping, splitting and warping – repels water (beads). QUANTEC will lighten and fade faster in full weathered exposed areas. Protected timber will require minimal maintenance over time. To keep clear or tinted colours looking vibrant and fresh, reapply as frequently and necessary to retain the natural beauty and colour of the timber.

In the same way that oils, stains, paints and films already present in the timber need to be removed prior to application of QUANTEC, non-drying mineral oils will also need to be removed using POWER CLEAN prior to application of QUANTEC. Quantum Timber Finishes have you covered with easy to use, surface preparation systems to remove existing coatings no matter what has been previously applied to the surface.

Bubbling is caused by solvent entrapment, this can happen when air from the timber grain is trapped under the dry film, particularly likely when applying a coating onto a hot floor. Adding Quantum’s Wet Edge Extender into the coating will slow the drying allowing the solvent to be released from the film before it dries. Bubbles can also appear in the film if the coating is over rolled on the floor as the coating becomes aerated, avoid over rolling the coating.

Lap marks are caused by uneven application and drying of the coating. It is important to choose the correct time of day to apply the coating, as application to hot surfaces will affect the drying. The addition of Quantum’s Wet Edge Extender into coatings will help to overcome the effects of heat and draught during application and drying.