Deck finish

Has anyone used either Tanacoat or Lanotec on outdoor structures? Tanacoat is a solvent/oil based coating that supposedly protects against uv and moisture whilst Lanotec is a lanolin based, enviro friendly product that makes similar claims. I want to treat a merbau planked, hardwood framed deck that is around a saltwater above ground pool and exposed to hot sun. Also why is it that these treatments need to be applied to weathered timber, not new timber, and what is the definition of "weathered" ie does that mean going grey or what?

Dear Square Bear,

Just came across your posting. I restore timber decking and recoat them. I think I have cleaned back nearly every product on the market . I did one job that was coated with Lanotec. It had been on the deck for about 14 months and was just black. Being a natural (organic)oil based product it is what mold likes to feed on . If you are after something to coat your deck with that will show the differences in your decking I would consider something else. As far as weathered timber it means that new decking timber should be allowed to be uncoated and have it get wet from rain and hosing(taking into consideration water restrictions) to allow as much tannins and oils to leach out. Most coating manufacturers recommend leaving new wood to weather for a period of 3-6 months. If you email me privately I can email you a photo of Lanotec on an outside deck.

JimJ www.restore-a-deck.com.au

I would also suggest either Sikkens Cetol, or Feast Watson Spa Marine, both quite expensive but some of the greatest ones that i have ever used.