Sikkens Oil Based Products are Still Available at Ace Paints
Sam Lutz • March 13, 2018
This is your annual reminder that Oil Based Stains from Sikkens are still readily available at Ace Paints. This includes Cetol DEK Finish, Cetol 1 and Cetol 23+ as well as Log and Siding and Oil Based SRD.
The general prep procedure for staining or maintaining your deck or siding begins with the application of a Tri Sodium Phosphate (TSP) mixture using a pump action garden sprayer onto the surface being treated. This mixture should remain wet on the surface for about 15 minutes before being power washed off completely at a pressure per square inch (PSI) no greater than 500 lbs. If there is any mold or mildew on the surface being treated you can substitute some of the water in the TSP solution for bleach. TSP packages contain detailed mixing instructions. Follow them.
Following the cleaning is the most difficult step for many homeowners; getting two dry days consecutively to allow the deck for siding to dry. This is important because moisture trapped in the wood before the wood is sealed is one the chief causes of peeling finishes. The usual recommendation is less than 18% percent moisture in the wood, which can be checked accurately with a moisture meter. If you don’t have a moisture meter, the 48 dry hour rule is usually safe.
Now the fun part. Stain your wood using high quality natural bristle brushes to ensure a smooth even finish. If you insist on rolling, you really should back brush the stain to help it penetrate the wood. Make sure to pay attention to end grain of the boards, this is the spot most likely to wick up moisture during the year, and can take more stain than you realize to seal properly.
If you follow these instructions and use a beautiful shining stain like DEK finish or CETOL 1. you might notice cars slow down passing you house just to marvel at your gorgeous outdoor living space.
All products mentioned in the above post are available and in stock at Ace Paints in Mt Lebanon and Peter’s Township in the south hills of Pittsburgh.

One of the wonderful things about good wood furniture is that it doesn’t have to be merely functional. It can be beautiful as well. We’ve seen some amazing pieces made with wood stains that are more than just furniture, they’re works of art. So if you’ve got an old table, desk or other piece of wood furniture that needs jazzed up, why don’t you consider using some of our great stains to try one of these ideas.