Replies

1. 
   hdgis1 | Apr 29, 2009 03:12am | #1

   I would guess you need to wipe it down pretty good with a solvent to remove a good portion of surface oil and then seal it with shellac. You can used water based on top of that.

   Chris

2. 
   saschafer | Apr 29, 2009 03:30am | #2

   I wouldn't choose anything short of a top-quality waterborne finish (Bona, Glitsa, etc.) on ipé, in large part because I know the manufacturers of such finishes will have already done the necessary research. And then I would simply ask them what to do. I believe the standard approach on "problem" woods like ipé is to seal the wood with a solvent-based sealer, and then apply the waterborne topcoats.

   -Steve

    

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Apr 29, 2009 04:43am | #3

   I think Steve Schafer is on the right track.  It may well be that dewaxed shellac would make the good buffer between the oily wood and the waterborne finish, but I would certainly seek out the advise of manufacturers such as he mentioned. 

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Apr 29, 2009 05:09pm | #4

   Yeah, Steve, a neighbor installed an ipe floor. His installer has done a couple of them and used Zinsser SealCoat as a sealer/barrier followed by 3-4 coats of a waterborne finish. The installer said he has also used an oil based finish over the top of a SealCoat sealer.Howie.........

1. 
   JeffHeath | Apr 29, 2009 09:26pm | #5

   Since we're on the topic of Ipe (can't make that slanted thing over the e), does anyone have a suggestion for an outdoor finish for Ipe on a deck.  I don't like the "let it grey naturally" option, and would like to keep the Ipe looking like Ipe for as long as possible.  I'm getting ready to remove my cedar deck boards, and replace them with Ipe.  I'd appreciate the info.

   Jeff

1. 
   saschafer | Apr 29, 2009 09:56pm | #6

   I'm having some reasonable success with BioWash Natural Deck Oil. It's a waterborne finish that needs reapplication every year or two. So far, so good, but it's only been a little over a year on my "test deck" plot.

   -Steve

    

2. 
   BOBABEUI | Apr 30, 2009 03:16pm | #7

   Jeff,Two outdoor finishes for deck floor are either Penofin or Messemers. I have personally used the Penofin product, it is a very very thin oil with some color, UV protection and most likely a ridiculous quantity of fungicide, that makes the Ipe look like a million bucks. Just know going into the project that keeping the dark brown color is a chore, depending on your exposure it maybe a real chore..Edited 4/30/2009 8:24 am ET by BOBABEUI

   Edited 5/1/2009 8:50 am ET by BOBABEUI

3. 
   ohcomeon | May 01, 2009 05:12am | #8

   Jeff, I plan to try the Messmers or Pennofin as I've heard good things about both.  I can tell you to avoid the Flood product (UV Plus I think it is called).  Pain in the arse to apply (very thick) and it hasn't protected worth beans.

   Ipe is awesome.  Be sure to get a can of Anchorseal to coat the ends after each cut or it will check.  And go slow with cuts and drilling.  Tearout can be bad and the bit flutes will plug if you don't clear the sawdust. 

   Jake

4. 
   HOMEDIMENSIONS | May 01, 2009 08:45pm | #9

   go to http://www.advantagelumber.com they have all the ipe stuff you could want.  Even the wax for the saw cuts.   "When the job is perfect, we're almost done."

3. 
   HOMEDIMENSIONS | May 01, 2009 08:48pm | #10

   Everyone look at the article that just came out in fine woodworking mag.  Its about outdoor finishes.  For decks I would use the finish that you get from advantagelumber.com.  I just ordered and used the Eiphanes finish from the article on a redwood lawn sign for my business.  They are the oldest marine finish made so they have mastered teak and ipe oils.  So far I really like the finish.

      "When the job is perfect, we're almost done."