How to apply DuroGrit to deckingUpdated a day ago

Consult the TDS prior to using DuroGrit.

Materials needed

1. For New Wood

New smooth, planed wood has a hard, shiny surface called mill glaze, which prevents maximum penetration and adhesion of DuroGrit.To ensure optimal performance, this glaze must be removed. Clean the new wood with Exterior Wood Cleaner (see process below) to break the mill glaze and allow proper penetration of DuroGrit.
For (tropical) hardwoods (such as afzelia, iroko, cumaru, ipe, teak, merbau, etc.), let the wood weather outdoors for about 4-6 weeks before surface preparation and coating. These species contain natural extractives or oils that can impede the penetration and/or drying of the finish.
New, water-repellent pressure-treated wood must be allowed to dry and weather for approximately 6-12 months before surface preparation and coating. If using Exterior Wood Cleaner and/or natural weathering is not possible, properly sand the wood with 80-grit sandpaper for decking to break the mill glaze and open the wood pores.

2. For Untreated Weathered Wood

Thoroughly clean the surface with Exterior Wood Cleaner (see process below) to remove dirt and green deposits, and to open the wood pores. If the weathering is severe and the surface still appears patchy after cleaning, we recommend sanding the wood with 80-grit sandpaper for decking to achieve a more uniform appearance.

Cleaning the decking with Exterior Wood Cleaner

First wet the wooden surface with a fine mist of water from a garden hose.
Clean the surface with Exterior Wood Cleaner and a stiff bristled nylon scrubbing brush (wear gloves and eye protection).
Do not allow the solution to dry. Thoroughly rinse the cleaning solution residue with clean water until all foaming residue is rinsed away.
Allow the surface to dry completely.

Only work in frost-free and dry conditions and avoid application of DuroGrit when rain is expected within 10 hours of application.

Stir the DuroGrit a few minutes before use.
Apply the product evenly to the decking with a good quality, firm bristle paintbrush, suitable for waterborne coatings. Work in the direction of the wood installation, always covering the full length. For vertically installed boards, this means from top to bottom, and for horizontally installed wood from left to right (or vice versa). So never stop in the middle of a board but only at a natural break (e.g. a seam, edge, staircase, etc.). Work in small sections of approximately 1 or 2 boards wide. Always apply sufficient product and brush again afterward to avoid start/stop and brush marks (remember not to exert too much pressure on the brush).
- Tip: Maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks.
- Errors created during application (start marks, brush marks, lap marks, …) can be touched up on the wet surface up to 15 minutes after application (depending on the weather conditions). Apply a little extra DuroGrit on the mark. Put some pressure on your brush so the product that has already been applied dissolves and mixes with the new one. Finally, smooth out until you no longer have brush marks.
Let the decking dry for about 3 hours. Complete curing takes place after 3 days (at 68°F / 20°C).
- Keep in mind that low temperatures, poor ventilation, and relative humidity significantly slow down the drying and curing process

In general we recommend a yearly visual check-up just after the winter season.
Please check for the presence of the following two points:
- Dirt & green deposits; clean with low-pressure water and a soft brush or use Exterior Soap (consult Technical Data Sheet before use)
- Fading of colors
If fading of colors occurs, apply a maintenance coat according to the instructions:
- First clean your wood with Exterior Wood Cleaner.
- Then apply a layer of DuroGrit in the original color. Depending on the degree of fading of the color, dilute DuroGrit with a maximum of 20% water to avoid applying too much product and making the color too opaque.
The frequency of maintenance depends on the weather conditions, exposure, geographical situation, solar orientation, wood type (softwood vs hardwood), and color. In normal weather conditions, up to 2 years.

To set you up for success, please review the DuroGrit tips.

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