Clearcoat over Sealer???

[HoseHead]

Hey All,
I did a deck restore job for a customer last fall. Used good quality products
that he requested(opaque stain/sealer), and he was pleased with the job. He
called me yesterday and wants me to come back and go over it again with a
clear coat sealer of some type. His thinking is that this will add longevity to
the job. My thinking is that this is not a good idea at all. I spent several hours looking at various manufacturers websites, and I don't even find anything for this purpose. He mentioned polyurethane, but I feel certain that
even the best of that will fade, peel, crack and end up looking hideous. Not to
mention be a nightmare to strip next go-around. Anyone ever had a customer
request this? I considered applying a clear sealer over the existing finish, but
am not sure they would play well together and certainly don't think that would buy him much anyhow. Any input appreciated. Thanks,kp

 

[steve r]

Hey All,
I did a deck restore job for a customer last fall. Used good quality products
that he requested(opaque stain/sealer), and he was pleased with the job. He
called me yesterday and wants me to come back and go over it again with a
clear coat sealer of some type. His thinking is that this will add longevity to
the job. My thinking is that this is not a good idea at all. I spent several hours looking at various manufacturers websites, and I don't even find anything for this purpose. He mentioned polyurethane, but I feel certain that
even the best of that will fade, peel, crack and end up looking hideous. Not to
mention be a nightmare to strip next go-around. Anyone ever had a customer
request this? I considered applying a clear sealer over the existing finish, but
am not sure they would play well together and certainly don't think that would buy him much anyhow. Any input appreciated. Thanks,kp

not a good idea to go over with clear .It will peel up off the sealer in months or sooner.really should strip and reseal with clear if thats what they want.

 

[CaroliProWash]

Baaad idea. But you must educate him or he might go do something silly like put Thompsons on it himself thinking that "waterproofing" may help him

Celeste

 

[Deck Works]

Why not just rewash it lightly with no chemicals and recoat the floor with the same brand of stain. Skip the rails.

I use Sherwin Williams Deckscapes and you can do multiple coats.

 

[Aplus]

Best idea yet....

You are supposed to be the professional. That is why he hired you. Take control of the situation right now and explain the correct way of maintaining a deck. Flat out refuse to do things the wrong way, it will only cause you future grief.

If you need to learn more, then spend more time here browsing around, and become the pro before you do anymore jobs.

 

[HoseHead]

Thanks for everyone's input. I sat down with him last week and explained the
pitfalls of trying to clearcoat over the existing stain job. He was completely
happy with the way things went with the job last fall, and loves the way it
looks. But he's the anal type, and is looking for a way to make his deck
maintenance free. Told him the only way to get that would be to have it
resurfaced with Trex, or some other composite. He seemed happy with my explanation, and said he'll just call me when it's ready to be sealed again.
Alls well that ends well. Thanks again.

 

[squirtgun]

Thanks for everyone's input. I sat down with him last week and explained the
pitfalls of trying to clearcoat over the existing stain job. He was completely
happy with the way things went with the job last fall, and loves the way it
looks. But he's the anal type, and is looking for a way to make his deck
maintenance free. Told him the only way to get that would be to have it
resurfaced with Trex, or some other composite. He seemed happy with my explanation, and said he'll just call me when it's ready to be sealed again.
Alls well that ends well. Thanks again.

The composites aren't maintenance free either.They require regular cleanings to keep them looking good.

 

[Aplus]

There is no such thing as maintenance free. Low maintenance, maybe.

This applies to ANYTHING left outdoors.