Name:	Buteye -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendations for Dock Refinishing
Date:	2/21/2020 5:30:59 PM (updated 2/21/2020 5:34:20 PM)

I know this has been the subject a few times in the past, but I would appreciate any advice based on both good and bad experiences. I have replaced my deck with 5/4 x 6" x 16ft treated deck boards. I have let them "cure" and am now ready to apply a finish. I know composite boards are the way to go but just couldn't afford the added expense at this time, and yes, I know the old saying, "pay now or pay later". I am thinking about using a clear/natural color, but I am open to use whatever I can find that others have used and have found to be a good "coating".

Name:	Rooster -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendations for Dock Refinishing
Date:	2/21/2020 6:44:10 PM

I use Thompson Water Seal in clear.  Works great for me and still allows wood to turn natural gray,  I do clean and redo every two years.  Cheap vs board replacement.  Good luck.

Name:	Buteye -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendations for Dock Refinishing
Date:	2/21/2020 8:28:15 PM

Thanks! I considered using Thompson Water Seal when my deck was first built. I went with some gray colored stain initially, and later went with some Behr Gray Stain which was more like a paint and really never got to a cover that was satisfactory. I am thinking that going with a "clear" coating that lets the wood grain show through is probably the best alternative. When you clean and redo, is there any sanding or other preparation or do you just use a cleaner and reapply the Thompson seal? Please don't think you have to go overboard in providing more information, but every little bit of information will help.

Name:	Buteye -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendations for Dock Refinishing
Date:	2/21/2020 8:32:16 PM

Sorry, but just one more question! Is the clear finish very slippery?

Name:	Rooster -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendations for Dock Refinishing
Date:	2/21/2020 8:32:59 PM

No sanding.  I do retighten any screws that might need it.  Clean or lightly pressure wash, let dry real good, then reapply water seal.

Name:	Rooster -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendations for Dock Refinishing
Date:	2/21/2020 8:33:53 PM

Not slippery at all.  

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendations for Dock Refinishing
Date:	2/22/2020 12:28:53 AM

I think Behr is the best.  It's what I have used on our porch.  We went the composite on our dock a couple of years ago - the down side is that we have had some buckling and it gets very, very hot in the sun (like foot burning hot), which isn't great for me or my dogs.  The only upside has been not having to cope with treatment every year or so.  

Name:	Aviator -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendations for Dock Refinishing
Date:	2/22/2020 10:09:27 AM

We used Ready Seal. It still looks good after two years. Next time we are going to try Perma Seal. Supposedly Perma Seal has a 25 year warranty. 

Name:	PTClakefan -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendations for Dock Refinishing
Date:	2/22/2020 10:13:56 AM

I have been toying with the idea of switching to composite decking for the dock for a few years now, but I have heard how hot it can get compared to wood decking.  Our dog likes to hang out on the dock while we are down by the water and I would have some concerns about that.  And the cost factor, of course, though it probably evens out eventually due to less maintenance and replacement every 6-8 years.

Also, I have used a Sherwin-Williams clear deck sealer/stain over the years and have had pretty good luck with it.

Name:	Rooster -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendations for Dock Refinishing
Date:	2/22/2020 7:54:22 PM

Will not ever use composite because of heat factor.  Perma Seal is also hot (very).  Thompson's also gets warm but nothing like the others.  

Name:	Eileen Doverda cliff -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendations for Dock Refinishing
Date:	2/22/2020 8:57:03 PM (updated 2/22/2020 9:06:32 PM)

According to Sunrise Docks, they sell a composite that is cooler than even wood.  Have not tried it, but I imagine the coolness is reflected in the cost.  

Name:	Aviator -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendations for Dock Refinishing
Date:	2/22/2020 9:01:05 PM

Rooster. Thanks for the heads-up about Perma Seal. That will make me look at other options.

Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendations for Dock Refinishing
Date:	2/23/2020 8:44:21 AM

Anyone use the aluminum decking that is used in floating boat houses?  Seems like a permanent answer.  Shouldn’t be hot?

Name:	weagle74 -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendations for Dock Refinishing
Date:	2/24/2020 11:59:57 AM

Have used Thompson's clear in the past. Not impressed with longivity of product as I felt like it had deteriorated after just one season, maybe less. Tried Cabot on some replaced boards at the end of last season. Too early to tell, though. At any rate, I didn't like Thompson's. Obviously, if there is no pigment in your sealant, you (we) really won't get any protection from UV which, along with moisture, is the real culprit. I like clear for the woodgrain look, but a stain (or paint) with some color is really better.

Name:	Pontoonfisher -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendations for Dock Refinishing
Date:	2/25/2020 8:43:02 AM

Thompson's sucks.  Don't use it.  You'll be lucky to get 6 months out of it.  They changed their formula and it absolutely is the worst now.  Does not penetrate.  Just lays on top of the wood.  It used to be super easy to spray on but the new formula is thicker and more difficult to work with. I believe they were forced to remove some chemicals from their formula because of environmental laws.  I'm looking for something else to use now.  

Name:	Buteye -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendations for Dock Refinishing
Date:	2/25/2020 8:18:37 PM

Thanks for the information on Thompson's! I am continuing to look for something else. Keep in touch if you come across something that seems to be a good product.

Name:	Davidm -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendations for Dock Refinishing
Date:	2/26/2020 10:14:34 AM

I have the decking from Sunrise Docks and I like it. My dog, kids & grands are on it a lot. It gets warm, but not nowhere near what it used to be. I totally recommend it!!

Name:	PTClakefan -	Reply
Subject:	DavidM
Date:	2/26/2020 12:48:01 PM

What kinda of warranty (time-frame)) do they give on that decking?  Thanks.

Name:	dockside -	Reply
Subject:	DavidM
Date:	2/29/2020 12:55:05 PM

The decking sold by Sunrise Docks is the only decking known to have the new COOL DEK technology. Both brands they carry (MoistureShield and WearDeck) have lifetime warranties. The MoistureShield brand even allows for the warranty to be transferred one time. These products actually reflect heat. All composite materials are not of the same quality or performance even though they are described as being "Composites".