How To Maintain Your Decking | A-Chem
Decking can help to transform any garden and create the perfect outdoor seating area for your family to enjoy. However, it takes care and attention to keep it clean and protected from the elements. There are a range of decking treatments that you can choose from, which will keep it looking as good as new.
If your decking is under 6 months old, we would recommend leaving it to settle and weather naturally before applying any treatment. This is because new decking is usually treated as a finishing touch. If it hasn’t been treated by the supplier/manufacturer, it’s important to protect it against the elements as soon as possible.
If your decking is over 6 months old, you should treat it once a year. Ideally treatment should be applied once before summer, and once before winter, to protect it from the extreme weather conditions. Before you start, it’s important to identify the right treatment for your decking.
How to choose the right treatment for your decking
If your decking is in full-sunlight every day, a strong treatment with UV protection would be best suited. This will prevent the colour from fading over time due to harsh sunlight.
If your decking is in a shaded area underneath a tree or shrubbery, a treatment that protects from water damage and wood rot would be most beneficial.
How to clean your decking
You should prepare your decking for treatment by removing all furniture and plant pots, and cleaning it thoroughly. A pressure washer will save you considerable time and effort, but if you don’t own one, you can use a stiff brush and a garden hose. Be sure to remove any debris, and any flaking paint from previous treatments. If you are struggling to remove the flaking paint, a decking stripper will help to fix the issue. Once clean, you should leave your decking to dry for 2-3 days before treating.
How to treat your decking
In order to treat your decking, you will need the right tools. A professional brush will help to give your decking a flawless finish. Alternatively, you could use a roller with a fitted pole, for a more comfortable way to apply the treatment. Or, you can use a sprayer for even, quick, and easy coverage.
Be sure to wear protective gloves and old clothes, as it may get messy. A dust mask is also recommended when using a stronger treatment.
Before you get started, test your treatment in a small area to ensure that you are happy with the colour and adhesion. Stir it thoroughly, as the pigments, resins and waxes may settle at the bottom Our dedicated decking solution, Deckshield, is a premium solvent-based wood treatment. It combines colour pigmentation with waterproofing technology from a blend of oils and waxes. DeckShield is versatile, as it can be sprayed or brushed onto your decking.
Application
Once you are happy with your decking treatment, start in one corner and work your way backwards. Always paint the length of your decking boards, and apply an even amount. One litre of Deckshield is enough for one coat for up to 12m² of decking. When you have finished applying your treatment, leave the decking to dry. If you’d like more coverage, you can then apply another coat.
After treatment, your decking should look as good as new. Deckshield gives a lasting finish which will protect the wood from both water and UV damage. If you have any further questions about Deckshield, get in touch with our team today. Note, Deckshield is a stain and contains pigments, different types of woods can appear darker or lighter when using a stain, and adding extra coats regularly will leave a darker finish / end colour.