Can I use a film-forming stain on Ipe?

No. Dense tropical hardwoods will reject film-forming products (polyurethane, latex stain) within months — they peel, crack, and flake. Always use a penetrating oil formula designed for dense woods.

How often should I re-oil my hardwood deck?

Most decks benefit from one maintenance coat per year. High-traffic areas and south-facing surfaces may need attention every 6-8 months. UV exposure is the primary driver of re-coating frequency.

Other

Stains & Finishes

Messmer's UV Plus - Five Gallon

Name: Messmer's UV Plus - Five Gallon
Brand: Other
Availability: InStock

Stock up and save with the Messmer's UV Plus five-gallon pail—the contractor's choice for large-scale exterior wood staining projects. This professional-grade, oil-based penetrating finish uses a proprietary blend of linseed and synthetic oils to provide exceptional UV protection, moisture resistance, and mildew defense on decks, siding, fences, and log structures. Semi-transparent formula preserves the wood's natural character while preventing graying and oxidation. Coverage: 750–1,250 sq. ft. per 5-gallon pail. Federal standard VOC compliant.

Available Options

Choose your preferred options and quantity below.

5 Gallon

M-UVPLUS-5

$239.99

per unit

Why Choose Stains & Finishes?

UV protection

Deep penetration

Won't peel or crack

Enhances natural grain

How to Finish Exotic Hardwood Decking

Wait for Acclimation

Let freshly installed boards acclimate for 2-4 weeks before applying finish. This allows the wood to reach equilibrium moisture and the pores to open slightly for better oil penetration.

Clean and Brighten

Apply a wood cleaner/brightener to remove mill glaze, dirt, and oxidation. Rinse thoroughly and let the deck dry for 24-48 hours before oiling.

Apply Penetrating Oil

Brush or pad a generous coat of penetrating oil (like Ipe Oil® or UV Plus) along the grain. Let the oil soak in for 15-20 minutes, then wipe off any excess that hasn't been absorbed.

Seal All End Cuts

End grain absorbs and releases moisture 10-12× faster than face grain. Seal every cut end with end grain sealer within 24 hours of cutting to prevent checking and splitting.

Pro Tip from Our Deck Specialists

Dense hardwoods reject film-forming stains and polyurethanes — these will peel within months. Always use a penetrating oil formula designed for tropical species.

Stains & Finishes — Common Questions

Frequently Bought Together

Accessories that pair well with stains & finishes for a complete installation.

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Professional-grade products

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Need Help Choosing the Right Accessory?

Our deck specialists have installed thousands of hardwood decks and can recommend the exact accessories for your project, species, and climate.