How to spray DuroGrit on deckingUpdated a month ago
Before starting, consult the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) for full product guidance.
Materials needed
- DuroGrit
- Exterior Wood Cleaner
- Airless Sprayer or Air-Atomizing Spray Gun
- Clean empty mixing container for airless spraying
- Stir stick
- Paint can opener
- Nitrile gloves and respirator
- Masking tape/Sprayshield
Video
Spray Equipment Setup
1. For Air-Atomizing Spray Guns
- Use a fluid tip of 1.8–2.0 mm or larger
- Adjust air pressure until you achieve a fine, even spray pattern
2. For Airless Sprayers
- Set pump pressure to 1500–1800 PSI
- Use a 60-mesh fluid filter (avoid finer filters)
- Choose the correct Fine Finishing Low Pressure (FFLP) spray tip size: 210-512
Application process
Preparation
1. For New, Unexposed 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 mill 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 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.
Note: If using Exterior Wood Cleaner is not feasible and allowing the wood to weather naturally isn’t an option, thoroughly sand the surface with 80-grit sandpaper to remove the mill glaze and open the wood pores for optimal absorption.
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 uniform and smooth 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-bristle 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.
Application
1. After you have cleaned the decking with Exterior Wood Cleaner, and let it dry, stir DuroGrit thoroughly before spraying.
- Follow the spray equipment manufacturer's recommendations for proper use.
2. Hold the spray gun approximately 12 inches from the surface.
3. Apply in smooth, overlapping passes to create an even coat.
- Always work along the full length of the boards, ideally, one to two boards at a time. Avoid stopping in the middle. Work in manageable sections, especially in hot weather where drying is quicker.
4. Let the finished surface dry for 3 hours, complete curing takes place in approximately three days, depending on weather conditions.
Clean-Up
Clean spray equipment, tips, and containers with soap and water immediately after use.
Periodic Maintenance
Clean the surfaces periodically to remove dirt and apply properly diluted Rubio Exterior Soap after cleaning to nourish the oiled surface (2-3 times a year)
Maintenance Coat Application
- Clean with Exterior Wood Cleaner
- Reapply DuroGrit as needed
Tips
- Always test spray pattern on scrap wood or a sheet of cardboard before starting your project
- Avoid overspray on adjacent surfaces — mask off as needed
- Avoid spraying in direct sunlight
- Only spray apply in dry, frost-free conditions. Avoid when rain is expected within 10 hours of application. Avoid spraying in very windy conditions.
- Review the DuroGrit Tips for best practices