Sikkens Deck Stain

Sikkens Deck Stain

Now called Sico Proluxe Premium Deck Finish is the same high quality formula that is synonymous with the Sikkens name.  

Sikkens DEK Finish is and has always been a high performance, translucent satin finish for exterior decks. This alkyd high solids formulation offers optimum protection, ultimate durability and a beautiful furniture-like furniture finish appearance with the simplicity of a one product, two coat application.

Sikkens deck stain two-coat satin finish creates a protective film that gives deck surfaces a premium furniture-like finish that allows the natural characteristics and grain of the wood to show through. The product creates a durable surface barrier to prevent wood from weathering. The DEK Finish is available in four rich shades and has a satin sheen.

Sikkens Deck Stain Recommended Usage
• Can be used on decks, lattice, railings, and benches.
• May be used on: Pressure Treated Wood, Pine, Hardwoods, Cedar, Redwood, Composite Wood and Materials.

Sikkens Premium Deck Stain Key Features and Benefits
• High Solids Alkyd – Fewer coats needed for optimum protection and premium look.
• Translucent Iron Oxide Pigments & UV Absorbers – Combination gives high performance UV protection preventing graying and deterioration.
• Excellent Microporosity and Flexibility – Minimizes blistering and cracking due to expansion and contraction or moisture build-up.
• Added Silica – Improves the wear and tear properties and adds longevity to the finish.

Sikkens Deck Stain Application Methods
• Long Haired Natural Bristle Brush.

Sikkens Deck Stain Dry Time
• Drying Time – 24 hours minimum at 68°F and 65% relative humidity. At temperatures below 50º F (10º C) or conditions of high humidity the drying time will be extended.
• Dries to touch in approximately 6 hours.
• Dries to recoat in 24 hours additional coat may increase these times.
• Wait 7 days after applying the second coat to replace furniture.
• Low temperature, high humidity, thick films or poor ventilation will increase these times. Avoid heavy abrasions immediately following application.

Sikkens Deck Stain Preparation Instructions
• All wood surfaces must be thoroughly clean, dry and free of dirt, grease, grime, mildew, mill glaze and previous coatings before applying Proluxe Cetol DEK Finish.

New, Uncoated Deck Surfaces – Prepare wood surfaces by mechanically sanding with 60 – 80 grit sandpaper.

Weathered, Uncoated Deck Surfaces – Cleaning Recommendations:
1. Spray all wood surfaces with clean water, completely wetting the wood.
2. Generously apply a cleaning solution of four(4) ounces of 100% powdered Tri-Sodium Phosphate (TSP) or phosphate-free substitute with one (1) quart of liquid bleach and three (3) quarts of water to the wood surfaces with a garden sprayer or a heavy nap roller cover.
3. Let the solution dwell on the wood for 15-20 minutes as you scrub the surface with a hard bristle brush to help remove mill glaze or weathering. Do not allow solution to dry on the wood surface.
4. Power wash cleaning solution from the wood with plenty of clean fresh water using 500-800 psi with the nozzle 8-12 inches from the surface for full effectiveness of the cleaning and to prevent damage to the wood.
5. Allow the surface to dry for 48 hours, or to have a moisture content of 18% or less before finishing.
6. All horizontal surfaces must be sanded using 60-80 grit sandpaper. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain and remove sanding dust.
7. Should be applied within one week of preparation for horizontal surfaces (decks).

Special Notes:
• Sikkens Deck Stain is not manufactured with lead or mercury containing materials.
• For application on exotic hardwood, immediately prior to applying wipe surface with acetone.
• New pressure treated lumber requires a six-week drying period. Water-repellant lumber requires one year of weathering prior to application.
• Weathered grey wood or wood affected with blue fungi or rust from nails may be treated after the surface preparation by applying a solution of four ounces of oxalic acid crystals in a gallon of warm water. This solution should be allowed to sit on the affected areas for 15-20 minutes before the final rinse with clean water. Let dry 3 days before coating.
• It is always recommended to perform a full system color test on a sample of the wood.
• Previous coatings must be removed prior to the application of Sikkens DEK Finish.

New Wood – Clean and prepare all wood surfaces as specified above. Pressure treated wood must be properly seasoned, dry with a moisture content of 18% or less and free of salts and other water soluble materials before applying stain. Water-repellent treated lumber requires one year minimum of weathering prior to cleaning and application.

Exotic Hardwoods – Ipe, mahogany, iron wood, tiger wood and teak woods exhibit a dense cell structure which may reduce the ability of a coating to penetrate the wood surface. Clean and prepare all wood surfaces as specified above. Immediately prior to applying coating, wipe surface with acetone.

Previously Coated Wood – Previous stains, varnishes or sealers must be completely and thoroughly removed prior to application of Cetol DEK Finish. After removal of previous coatings, clean and prepare surface as specified above.

Checking Moisture Content Before Staining:
• Sikkens Deck Stain cannot be applied when the moisture content of the wood is over 18%.
• If applied on wood with over 18% moisture content, mold and mildew may grow beneath the finish which may cause peeling, cracking and failure over time.
• It is recommended to use a Moisture Meter to test the moisture content of your wood before starting your staining project. A good moisture meter can be purchased am most hardware or home improvement stores.

Sikkens Deck Stain Application Information
• Test wood for absorbency by sprinkling water on the surface – if water is absorbed within 30 seconds – 2 minutes, depending on climate, the surface is ready for finishing. If water is not absorbed, wait 30 days and re-test.
• Before starting, test your color choice on a small area, applying all coats required.
• Stir thoroughly with a drill mixer such as a Shurline 5 Gallon Paint Mixer before and periodically during application. Intermix all product together before starting to avoid color variance.
• Brushing is the preferred method of application, using a high quality china bristle brush.
• Apply when the surface and air temperature is between 50° F (10° C) – 90° F (32° C).
• Do not apply in direct sunlight, if rain, snow, heavy dew or low temperatures below 40° F (4° C) are expected within 48 hours.
• Do not thin.
• After preparation, apply 2 coats of Cetol DEK Finish, waiting a minimum of 24 hours between coats.
• First coat must be applied to all six sides, saturating all end grains, nail holes and cracks in the wood.
• The first coat must be thoroughly dry before application of the second coat. If possible, back prime with the first coat. During application, saturate all end grains, nail holes, cavities, and cracks in the wood.
• Brush on a liberal coat and maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks. Brush in the direction of the wood grain starting at one end of the board or log and continuing to the other end of the board or log.
• TWO COAT APPLICATION IS RECOMMENDED FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE.

NOTE: Tannin containing woods such as redwood, red cedar, mahogany, douglas fir, etc. contain tannic acid which tends to migrate to the surface and discolor the stain, especially noticeable when using white or light colors. The discoloration is not harmful and can usually be removed. Apply a cleaning solution of four (4) ounces of oxalic acid to one gallon of warm water using a garden sprayer or a heavy nap roller cover. Allow solution to dwell on surface for 20 minutes then thoroughly rise with clean water. DO NOT ALLOW solution to dry on wood surface.

Sikkens Deck Stain Cleanup & Shelf Life
• Clean all tools immediately with mineral spirits.
• Clean spills right away with a damp cloth.
• Shelf Life: 5 years maximum – unopened.

Sikkens Deck Stain Maintenance Instructions
• Proper maintenance starts with visual inspection.
• One coat of Cetol DEK Finish must be applied every 12 -18 months. For exotic hardwood, one coat of Cetol DEK Finish must be applied every 12 months.
• As weathering, exposure conditions, altitude, and applications can vary, maintenance may be needed sooner and should be performed when visually necessary, regardless of timeframe.
• To identify the changes caused by weathering, we recommend saving a coated board from your project and storing it indoors. This can be used to periodically compare to your exterior surface to determine when cleaning, maintenance or replacement are needed.
• Before application of a maintenance coat, prepare the surface using a product like Olympic Deck Cleaner
• Let the surface dry 3 days after power washing. Apply 1 coat of Sikkens Premium Deck stain.
• An annual cleaning of the deck with Olympic Deck Cleaner helps to prevent any accumulation of dirt, pollen, dust and airborne contaminates.

Sikkens Deck Stain Application Do’s and Don’ts

Application Do’s…
• Prepare your wood properly for stain and finish application. Mill glaze, the shiny surface created when lumber is planed, may keep coatings from penetrating.
• First coat must be applied to all 6 sides.
• Intermix different batches/cans together to ensure color consistency.
• Apply when the surface and air temperature is between 50ºF and 95ºF (10ºC and 35ºC).
• Saturate all end grains, nail holes and cracks in the wood.
• Apply an even coat using a long haired natural bristle brush.
• Maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks.
• Stir well before using with a drill mixer (Shurline 5 Gallon Paint Mixer). Do not shake if using product the same day.
• Back prime (if possible).

Application Don’ts…
• Do not apply over previously coated surfaces. All previous coatings must be completely removed, except structures already coated with Sikkens Proluxe Cetol DEK Finish systems.
• Do not apply when the surface is hot to the touch.
• Do not apply when dew or frost is present or expected within five (5) hours.
• Do not apply in wet weather.
• Do not apply when moisture content of the wood is greater than 18%.
• Do not thin with any mineral spirits or paint thinner.
• Do not apply on unventilated/skirted decks or areas subjected to high moisture.
• Do not apply on decks less than 2 ft. clearance from the ground.
• Do not apply on covered porches or enclosed porches.
• Do not thin.
• Do not apply by rolling or spraying.

Canadian English TDS

Sikkens Dek MSDS

Sikkens Dek Data Sheet