Anyone have any experience with cleaning Ipe?

[Deckcare]

I am currently figuring an estimate for a 1000 sqft Ipe deck. Its about 4 years old. The lady had cleaned it last summer then put some sort of stain on it. It looks horrible now.

Should I use what I usually use to clean the deck Or do I need special chemicals?


What about suggestions for a sealant? Something clear?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance,
J.R. Peacock

 

[Mike Hughes]

I've never done an Ipe deck, but I have seen one.......and I don't like it. It is a very dark wood. My point is, it might not be in as bad of shape as you think..........its just a totally different look then most woods used for decks.

 

[Phoenix]

IPE???

You guys are probably falling over laughing, but what is Ipe? A type of wood? Is there some special method for dealing with the cleaning and resealing? I think I better find this out BEFORE I run up on one. You've all been really helpful in th past, so Tanks for your suggestions/ answers in advance![nb]

 

[Deckcare]

Ipe is a type of wood. It is the hardest/densest wood on earth (to my understanding). I have read it is 5 times as strong and hard as oak.

It is a beautiful natural wood. It looks like it has a finish on it when it comes from the mill. Its so beautiful.

At any rate I am stoked to clean my first Ipe deck.

Also to my understanding it is pronounced E-pay.

 

[Bob Warfield]

It is pronounced E-Pay. It comes from Brazil and truely is the hardest most dense wood I have ever seen. You can hardly drill through it. Very expen$ive.
Bob Warfield

 

[ron]

ron p

i would test for the best stripper[find out whats on it], then use a citric acid to brighten, then use www.penofin.com hardwood it is the only type i see that advertise's it's for ipe.
clear sealers just dont hold up. You need some pigment it.