Do I have to remove the old coating?

The short answer is… yes. Coating over an uneven/patchy coating will compromise the adhesion of the new coating and will affect the look of the final finish, so to put a fresh coat down, a patchy surface will need to be brought back to bare timber. Tip: It’s a lot easier to maintain coatings before they deteriorate too far so once you’ve recoated, check it every 12 months to see if it is starting to wear.  

Step 1. Quickly and effectively remove worn, patchy coatings

Scrub the timber with Intergrain^® UltraPrep™ Tannin & Oil Remover

The high strength formula of UltraPrep Tannin & Oil Remover helps to lift the old coating.

1. Wet the timber surface with water.
2. Apply UltraPrep Tannin & Oil Remover undiluted to the timber with a stiff bristle broom.
3. Leave on the timber for 10–15 minutes. Keep timber damp with product the whole time.
4. Scrub vigorously with a stiff broom. Do not use a wire brush.
5. Rinse off the surface thoroughly using a high pressure water cleaner.
6. If stubborn areas remain, repeat application in those areas as per the instructions above or sand.

note: If your coating is unevenly worn and has areas where your existing coating is still sound, you may need to use a coating stripper or sanding to get the deck back to a bare surface.

Check your timber with a simple water bead test

After removing an existing coating spray some water on the surface and check whether the water beads or soaks in to the timber. 

If water is still beading on the surface, the timber will not accept a new coating, repeat applications of UltraPrep Tannin & Oil Remover or sanding maybe required.
If the water soaks in, the coating has been effectively removed and you can proceed to the next step.

Step 2. Clean, neutralise and decontaminate the surface

Scrub the timber with Intergrain UltraPrep Timber Cleaner

Intergrain UltraPrep Timber Cleaner neutralises the UltraPrep Tannin & Oil Remover and restores the colour of the timber, readying the surface for coating.

1. Shake UltraPrep Timber Cleaner thoroughly.
2. Mix 1 part UltraPrep Timber Cleaner to 4 parts water in a plastic container.
3. Wet the timber surface with water.
4. Apply the mixture generously to the timber with a stiff bristle broom. Scrub the timber vigorously. Clean complete sections at one time. Spot cleaning should be avoided to prevent uneven results.
5. Leave the mixture on the timber for 10-15 minutes. Keep timber damp with product throughout this period.
6. Rinse off thoroughly using maximum pressure from a garden hose or using a high pressure water cleaner. Note: Failure to thoroughly remove mixture may result in timber discolouration under clear finishes.
7. Allow timber to dry thoroughly before applying further products.

When using the UltraPrep Timber Cleaner, wear waterproof gloves and safety glasses.
Avoid contact with painted, concrete or metal surfaces and vegetation.

Step 3. Apply your coating