MESSMERS

All Ipe importers recommend an immediate application of penetrating oil to acclimatize the lumber so the surface shrinks at the same rate as the underside (moist and shaded).

We stock Messmers U.V. Plus for Hardwoods penetrating oil. This product is specifically blended for hardwoods such as Ipe and Mahogany. This product will turn Ipe to a gorgeous russet brown color (similar to teak when it is wet) and prevent the deck from normal fading to gray. Surprisingly, if you did not apply Messmers, the edges of the board could curl, but later flatten out as the moisture content equalizes. If you let the deck go gray and later decide to restore to natural color, Messmers has an enzymatic lake-friendly cleaner that you brush on and spray off.

Application is not a monumental task as it only requires about $100 of product and about 1.5 hours of labor to coat the standard 24 x 28 dock with a 40’ walkway. Typically you should start in one corner of the dock, work your way off the dock, go back and give a second coat and then wipe off any residue that has not been absorbed (this will turn sticky if not removed).

If you have Ipe skirting, roof, post, or fascia, the product will last longer on these vertical areas than flat decking. The manufacturer suggests the product should last 2-3 years per application; however, with all the rain we have in the Southeast, we recommend two applications the first year. Quite frankly, most of our customers do not oil their docks.

We can’t oil docks during installation. We could mark it or get mud on the deck which we wash off before we leave; Messmers can only be applied to a surface that has been dry for at least 48 hours. We can oil docks as an option provided you are patient during our busy season.


Ipe Weathering to Grey


Oiled Ipe