Over the years, DeckWise® has received calls from concerned customers notifying us they had a fire after using our Ipe Oil hardwood finish. What we have found is, that, these fires were caused by improper disposal and carelessness of rags used to apply the oil.

We are very aware of the potential for spontaneous combustion of rags, rollers, brushes, paper towels and even steel wool. We take great effort to make sure our labeling has the proper hazard warnings as well. However, we do realize some people do not take the time to read labels so we’re here for a refresher course.

Ipe Oil Label Warning

WARNING: Do not leave rags balled up, they will catch fire or self-combust. Rags, brushes, rollers, steel wool or waste soaked with Ipe Oil Hardwood Deck Finish may also spontaneously catch fire if improperly discarded. Immediately after each use, place waste materials in a sealed, water-filled metal container. Dispose of empty cans or unused portion in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

A culprit for these fires is an ingredient in many wood finishes called Linseed Oil. We’ve all used it before in some manner or fashion. Likewise, our Ipe Oil contains linseed oil, which many DIY people and contractors use to stain wood decking, furniture or fences each year. Linseed oil is a natural product extracted out of the flaxseed.

The unique properties of linseed oil is to soak into the grain of wood accentuating the grain giving it a perpetual “wet Look,” otherwise known as “popping the grain.” Since linseed oil naturally has a yellowish tint, we add a pinch of color to our Ipe Oil to improve the natural wood characteristics.

Liquid linseed oil in its container is no more hazardous than any other byproduct oil. The linseed oil by itself is not necessarily the problem. It’s the actual petroleum based solvents used to thin the linseed oil that is extremely combustible and flammable.

If a wood finish containing linseed oil is on a cotton rag for application, fire could spontaneously occur at as low as 120 degrees. That’s with no external spark. These thinning solvents in the linseed oil can generate heat through exothermic reactions with oxygen.

Rags and other application materials left in a pile, balled up or left unattended are a real problem. As air molecules combine with the linseed oil’s solvents, the resulting chemical reaction will accelerate the build up of heat. Since the linseed oil on rags becomes concentrated when in a pile or balled up, this in turn can spontaneously ignite the rag, which the linseed oil’s solvents then act as the fuel.

The reason we don’t see the finished wood with linseed oil catch fire, is because the linseed oil is spread out. There is no chance for heat to build up, hence, no fire.

Great care must always be taken when using and wood finish containing linseed oil. Always allow application materials to dry completely by laying them flat to dry on a non-flammable surface, out of the sun and heat. The best disposal method is to then place the dry rags in a canister of water and tightly seal the lid before you take it to your local hazardous waste site for disposal.

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Lets begin with finishes. There are two types of finishes, oil-based and water-based. We believe using an oil-based finish is the better option for protecting your deck from harmful UV rays, water damage and mildew. Oil-based finishes provide excellent durability and result in a more even finished appearance. However, it typically takes longer to dry. The main reasons we favor oil-based finishes over water-based finishes is because water-based finishes do not penetrate the wood as well. Also, the water-based finishes have a tendency to peel. We offer an oil-based finish called Ipe Oil. This finish was created to protect even the hardest woods, while giving your deck an even coated appearance.

Using the proper oil-based finish in coordination with a good sealer will increase the structural integrity of your deck. The function of deck sealants is to prevent the end-cut from end-checking and cracks. We recommend our Ipe Seal . Our Ipe Seal is a wax emulsion sealer that extends the life of each deck board while preventing the boards from end-checking and cracking.

Below, we have provided you with a little insight to what items you will need for proper installation, and inform you of the best application time.

Items needed:

• a broom
• water hose
• 3/8″ nap paint roller
• dry rag

When to apply finishes and sealants?

Depending on the type of wood drying method, you will need to apply the finishes immediately or apply the finishes once the wood is completely dried. Kiln dried wood allows you to apply the finishes immediately, while air dried wood requires you to wait until the wood has completely dried and acclimated to your environment.

How to properly apply finishes and sealants?

After you determine which wood you are using, its time to apply the finish. You want to first sweep your deck, which is to assure you that all debris inside the cracks is removed. Secondly, wash down the deck boards with a hose and let dry (drying usually takes about 24 hours). Next, use a paint roller to apply the finish. After a few minutes, use a dry cloth to rub in the excess liquid and let it dry completely.

Wah-lah, you’re done!

To read more about our finishes and sealants access www.DeckWise.com.

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Protecting your deck is an essential process in preparing for the cold weather. Using deck protectors, such as our Ipe Seal and Ipe Oil, keeps your deck in good health during those cold, wet months. In those months, the cold and wet climate your deck has a higher risk of growing mildew, soaking up access water and warping. If you have spent your time and money building your deck, you wouldn’t want to throw it away by not protecting your deck. Would you? Some people believe applying protectors is a one-time thing, and others believe application of those products is a hassle. Well, at DeckWise®, we want to inform you of the importance of frequently using deck protectors, and let you know applying those protectors is as easy as 1-2-3.

First, you want to clean the surface of your deck. You can do this by spraying it off with a hose. After you clean it off, let it dry. Secondly, you apply the product. This too is an easy process. All you do is roll the product over the entire surface. Third, and lastly, you wipe off the excess product.

See, those three steps don’t seem that bad. And it’s those three simple steps that will guarantee the life of your deck during the winter season.

Our products can also be used on other outdoor hardwood surfaces such as fences and wood railings. Let our products help you, and save the life of your outdoor wood surfaces.

When that cold weather finally approaches, and snow may begin to fall, your wood will be protected. If snow piles on your deck and you wish to shovel it off, we suggest shoveling the snow lengthwise with a plastic shovel. If you shovel the snow in the other direction, you are putting your deck at risk for scratches. Also, the use of a metal shovel can put scratches on your deck, which can also scratch off the protector you have previously applied to it.

To read more about our products go to www.DeckWise.com.

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All wood, including premium hardwood such as Ipe and Tigerwood, is at risk of developing issues such as fading (or ‘silvering’), splitting, rotting, shrinking, swelling, and warping. This is caused by a number of factors including climate, insects, fungi and bacteria. Additionally, the cut ends of deck boards are vulnerable to certain elements and, over time, can start to end-check (split or crack), leaving you with an unattractive and uninviting deck.

Reason enough to take that final step and apply wood finish and end grain sealant to protect it from these factors, right? But how do you know what to look for? What type will extend the life of your deck for the longest period of time?

If your deck is built with hardwood you want to purchase a hardwood deck finish, such as Ipe Oil, for the face of the deck boards. The most important aspect to look for in a deck finish is excellent penetrating power because, as the name suggests, ‘hardwood’ is hard and some finishes are not powerful enough to penetrate this type of wood. Another important factor is the amount of UV protectant it offers to prevent fading.

As mentioned above, Ipe Oil is an excellent choice. It provides superior penetration and, with its oil-based natural wood finish it is specially formulated to protect and preserve your hardwood deck, safeguarding its natural elegance.

As for protecting the end cuts, Ipe Seal is an ideal choice. It is a wax emulsion sealer that forms the barrier needed to keep out moisture and prevent end-checking, extending the structural integrity of your deck.

Choosing the proper materials for your deck is important, but so is protection. After all, you want your dream deck to last a lifetime. Discover more at www.deckwise.com.

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