The Detroit News, GLENN HAEGE: June 25, 2005

Old deck can get a new glow; The Handyman - Q&A
Q: Is there an oil that you can put on the deck to make it come alive? Our deck is 18 years old and in good condition. It just needs a little shine to the floorboards. We just restained it last year, and it looks good. But my wife wants it to be glowing. So is there a product out there that we can use to enhance the wood so it shines without being slippery?

A: It sounds to me like you and your wife want something like Sikkens Cetol DEK, by Akzo Nobel Sikkens Decorative Coatings (www.nam.sikkens.com). The product can make your deck glow like interior furniture. However, I do not know that I would want to invest the time and money required on an 18-year-old deck unless it were made from walnut or mahogany.

Q: A tub liner is a big and nearly unaffordable purchase for me. In the past, I have glazed twice and it only lasted three years. My tub seems worse than ever now. Is there a company that does a better glaze job?

A: You have answered your own question. What you really can't afford to do is keep on refinishing the tub. Either reline it or get a new one. Relining is cheaper.

Q: We just had a new cedar deck put on our home. I have had many opinions as to how to treat it. I purchased Superdeck transparent stain that has a very small amount of tint. We want the wood to be as natural as possible. I got the tint to just slightly equalize the color variations of the deck, but it is a minimal amount. My question is do we sand the decking first? Is applying it with a roller OK, or do I spray it? What about the underside of the deck? The deck goes over our walkout. How long do I wait to treat the deck after installation?

A: Apply mill glaze remover first. Bio-Wash and a couple of other companies make the product, which is for new wood. If you can't find mill glaze remover, apply a brightener. Every manufacturer gives specific application directions on the can. Follow label directions for application recommendations to the letter. You are very lucky that your deck goes over a walkout. Ideally, deck boards should be covered on all six sides. It will take a little extra effort now, but you will be repaid many times over in deck longevity.

Write to Glenn Haege at: Ask Glenn, Master Handyman Press, P.O. Box 1498, Royal Oak, Mich. 48068-1498 or e-mail: askglenn@masterhandyman.com.