Wrong Preparation
A cleaner cannot remove an old oil, stain, sealer or coating. Residue left behind prevents the new finish bonding evenly.
SEALIX DECK RESTORATION GUIDE
Restore Your Deck the Right Way
Most deck failures start with the wrong preparation, the wrong product or maintenance left too late. Check what is on your timber, then follow the right restoration guide.
PREPARE • PROTECT • MAINTAIN
WHY DECK FINISHES FAIL EARLY
A lasting result depends on getting all three decisions right.
Wrong Product
The preparation and finish must suit the timber’s history, condition, exposure and the look you want to maintain.
Maintenance Left Too Late
Inspect, wash and recoat while protection is still sound—before the timber greys and the finish breaks down.
STEP 1 — CHECK YOUR DECK
What Has Been Applied to Your Deck Before?
Condition alone can mislead. The deck’s treatment history determines whether you deep clean or strip before rejuvenating.
DEEP CLEAN + REJUVENATE
New, Bare or Weathered Timber
Choose this only when the timber has never been oiled, stained, sealed or coated.
- New timber with tannins, dirt or mill residue
- Bare timber weathered grey by exposure
- No old finish or oil residue to remove
STRIP + REJUVENATE
Previously Oiled, Stained, Sealed or Coated Timber
Choose this whenever a finish has been applied before—even when it now looks completely worn away.
- Removes penetrating oil or coating residue
- Handles patchy, shiny, peeling or bare-looking areas
- Creates a consistent surface before rejuvenating
Not sure? If the deck has ever been oiled, stained, sealed or coated, choose Strip + Rejuvenate—or send photos to Sealix before ordering.
PREPARE • PROTECT • MAINTAIN
The Three-Part System Behind a Longer-Lasting Deck
Preparation includes three essential stages before the protective finish goes on. Maintenance then keeps that protection working instead of waiting for complete failure.
1
Choose Cleaner or Stripper
Use Deep Cleaner only on never-finished timber. Use Timber Stripper whenever oil, stain, sealer or coating has been applied before.
2
Rejuvenate
Neutralise the treated surface, brighten the timber and restore more natural colour before drying.
3
Dry + Light Sand
Let the timber dry completely, smooth raised fibres and prepare the surface profile for the chosen finish.
4
Protect with the Selected Finish
Choose either a film-forming Haymes system or a penetrating CUTEK oil system and apply it exactly as directed.
MAINTAIN
Do not wait for bare, grey timber. Inspect regularly, wash when dirty and recoat at the first signs of fading or reduced water repellency.
Read online
Your Selected Preparation Guide
STEP 1
Prepare and Protect
- Inspect damaged boards, loose boards and protruding fasteners.
- Clear furniture, pots, mats and barbecues.
- Protect plants, walls, windows and nearby finishes.
- Pre-wet surrounding garden areas.
- Confirm water supply, pressure washer access and runoff path.
STEP 2
Deep Clean the Timber
- Lightly wet the timber so it is damp, not saturated.
- Shake and apply Deep Cleaner undiluted.
- Keep the surface wet for 20–30 minutes.
- Agitate stained or stubborn areas.
- Pressure wash with the grain using controlled pressure.
Never allow the Deep Cleaner to dry. Work in manageable sections and mist lightly when required.
STEP 3
Rejuvenate and Neutralise
- Apply Rejuvenator evenly over the damp timber.
- Allow 15–20 minutes.
- Reapply or gently agitate heavily affected areas.
- Rinse the deck, edges, steps, walls, windows and gardens thoroughly.
Printable customer guide
Deep Clean + Rejuvenate + Finish
Download the complete customer guide with equipment, dwell times, sanding guidance, finish application and troubleshooting.
Download Deep Clean PDF
STEP 1
Prepare and Protect
- Inspect the timber and complete necessary board repairs first.
- Clear the deck and protect plants, paintwork, windows and surrounding surfaces.
- Pre-wet grass, soil and vegetation.
- Prepare all equipment before opening the stripper.
- Plan an exit so you do not walk over treated areas.
STEP 2
Strip the Existing Finish
- Shake and apply an even, generous coat.
- Keep the surface visibly wet for 45–60 minutes.
- Test a small area with a scraper.
- Pressure wash methodically along the boards and between gaps.
- Reapply to remaining patches when required.
Never allow the stripper to dry. The objective is to remove softened coating—not gouge the timber.
STEP 3
Rejuvenate and Neutralise
- Apply Rejuvenator undiluted after stripping.
- Allow 15–20 minutes.
- Reapply and gently agitate stubborn areas.
- Rinse all timber and surrounding splash zones thoroughly.
Printable customer guide
Strip + Rejuvenate + Finish
Download the complete customer guide with equipment, dwell times, repeat-strip guidance, sanding, finish application and troubleshooting.
Download Strip PDFShared final preparation
Dry, Inspect and Light Sand
Confirm It Is Dry
Do not coat damp timber. Drying varies with shade, airflow, temperature and timber condition.
Choose the Correct Grit
Water-based finishes: generally 40–60 grit. Penetrating oils: generally 80–120 grit, depending on timber.
Remove All Dust
Light sand the whole deck evenly, including edges, then remove all dust before coating.
Softwood note: Pine and cedar are usually better kept around 80–120 grit for either finish system. Test a small area first.
Choose the appearance
Film-Forming Finish or Penetrating Oil?
| System | Appearance | Application summary | Maintenance guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haymes Dexpress Film-forming water-based finish | Polished, low-sheen coated appearance. | 1 coat UVEX Primer + 2 coats Dexpress, or 3 coats Dexpress. Apply Dexpress with a large decking brush. | Clean and recoat approximately every 12–18 months, depending on exposure and wear. |
| CUTEK CD50 Extreme Penetrating oil finish | Natural penetrating-oil appearance. Use a colour tone for improved colour retention or clear for natural greying. | Apply 2 thin coats. Very dry timber may require a third. Wipe visible excess oil before it becomes tacky. | Clean and recoat approximately every 6–12 months, or as required by exposure and wear. |
Always follow the current product label and Safety Data Sheet for conditions, coverage, PPE, recoat windows, cure times and disposal requirements.
Application sequence
Apply the Selected Finish Correctly
Both systems need clean, dry and evenly prepared timber. Use the sequence below as a practical summary, then follow the current product label for final conditions, coverage and recoat requirements.
HAYMES WATER-BASED SYSTEM
UVEX Primer + Dexpress
- Shake and pour UVEX Primer into a tray.
- Apply primer with a lambswool applicator and cut-in brush.
- Allow approximately 1–2 hours to dry.
- Apply Dexpress with a large decking brush, never a mop.
- Work about four boards at a time and maintain a wet edge.
- Allow approximately two hours between coats.
Foot trafficApprox. 24 hoursFurnitureApprox. 7 days
Choose a Haymes Deck System
CUTEK PENETRATING OIL SYSTEM
CUTEK CD50 Extreme
- Mix the colour tone thoroughly when tinting: one tone per 5 L.
- Cut in edges and corners first.
- Apply across approximately four to six boards at a time.
- Allow the oil to penetrate and wipe visible excess before it becomes tacky.
- Apply the second coat thinly and repeat the wait-and-wipe process.
- Very dry timber may require a third thin coat.
Foot trafficApprox. 2 daysFurnitureApprox. 7 days
Choose a CUTEK Deck System
Keep the deck clear while curing. Do not place rugs, pots or furniture on the deck until the finish has cured as directed.
Fix problems before they become failures
Quick Troubleshooting
Most deck-restoration problems come from drying chemicals, incomplete preparation, coating damp timber or losing the wet edge during application.
Cleaner or Stripper Starts Drying
Reapply enough product to keep the area wet. Do not continue pressure washing until the contamination or coating has softened.
Stubborn Patches Remain
Remove standing water where required, reapply the correct preparation product, allow the full dwell time and wash the affected area again.
Raised Grain After Washing
Allow the deck to dry completely, then light sand the full surface using the grit recommended for your timber and finish system.
Finish Looks Uneven While Wet
Maintain a consistent wet edge and complete full board lengths. Do not stop mid-board or leave heavy pools.
Oil-Rag Safety
Oil-soaked rags can self-heat and combust. Follow the CUTEK label and local disposal requirements. Never leave used rags crumpled in a pile or sealed in an unsafe container.
Keep the complete instructions
Download the Guide That Matches Your Deck
Each printable guide includes equipment, dwell times, sanding guidance, finish application, troubleshooting and maintenance planning.
NEW, BARE OR WEATHERED — NEVER PREVIOUSLY FINISHED
Deep Clean + Rejuvenate + Finish
Use this guide only when the timber has never been oiled, stained, sealed or coated.
PREVIOUSLY OILED, STAINED, SEALED OR COATED
Strip + Rejuvenate + Finish
Use this guide whenever a finish has been applied before, even if the timber now looks bare.
Before you start
Final Job Checklist
- Correct guide selected for the current coating condition
- Suitable weather window and drying time allowed
- Product labels and SDS read
- Gloves, eye protection and suitable clothing ready
- Water, pressure washer and cleanup access confirmed
- Plants and surrounding surfaces protected
- Complete coating system and tools available
Reader offer
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Keep the full instructions:Download Selected PDF