Ipe Oil vs Ipe Oil Plus: Best Finish for Ipe and Hardwood Decks
Ipe, cumaru, tigerwood, mahogany and other tropical hardwoods are so dense that ordinary deck stains can't soak in. They sit on the surface, stay tacky and wear off. Hardwood decks need a finish made to penetrate dense wood. Here's how the main hardwood finishes we carry compare, starting with the question we get most: Ipe Oil or Ipe Oil Plus?
Ipe Oil vs Ipe Oil Plus
| DeckWise Ipe Oil | DeckWise Ipe Oil Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| VOC | 250 g/L | 100 g/L |
| Where it can be used | Most of the U.S.; not the SCAQMD counties of Southern California | Meets SCAQMD rules (LA, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties) |
| Coverage | 250-300 sq ft/gal smooth, 150-250 rough | 250-300 sq ft/gal smooth, 150-250 rough |
| Coats | One coat | One coat |
| Apply at | 40-90°F | 40-90°F |
| Woods | Ipe, tigerwood, cumaru, other tropical hardwoods, thermally modified wood | Ipe, cumaru, mahogany, tigerwood |
Both are deep-penetrating, oil-based finishes with trans-oxide pigments for UV resistance, and both are applied the same way. The main difference is VOC: DeckWise describes Ipe Oil Plus as its low-VOC finish for maximum durability and deeper protection, especially in harsh climates, and it's the version that can be used in the strictest Southern California air districts. Outside those areas, either one works.
Other Hardwood Finishes We Carry
- Penofin Hardwood uses Brazilian rosewood oil to penetrate dense hardwoods that need nourishing and stabilizing, without leaving a surface film.
- Messmer's UV Plus for Hardwoods is made for ipe, mahogany and teak decks, with a low-VOC version for regulated states.
- Cabot Australian Timber Oil blends linseed oil, tung oil and long-oil alkyds originally formulated to protect dense tallowwood, teak and ipe. One coat, 24-48 hours to dry.
How to Apply Ipe Oil
- Clean the deck. DeckWise recommends cleaning annually before maintenance coats; our DeckWise cleaner and brightener kit is made for it.
- Make sure the wood is dry and no rain is expected for 24-48 hours, with surface temperatures between 40°F and 90°F.
- Apply one coat, working a few boards at a time.
- Wipe off any finish that hasn't soaked in within 10-20 minutes. Excess left on dense hardwood is what causes a sticky, tacky surface.
- Clean tools with mineral spirits, and put oil-soaked rags in a sealed, water-filled metal container.
How Often to Reapply
DeckWise recommends reapplying every one to two years in most climates, after an annual cleaning. Hardwood finishes are maintenance coats by design: a quick clean and one thin coat keeps the color from going gray.
Which One Should I Buy?
- Southern California SCAQMD counties: Ipe Oil Plus.
- Everywhere else, lowest cost per gallon: Ipe Oil.
- Harsh sun or climate: Ipe Oil Plus.
- Prefer a different brand or color range: Penofin Hardwood, Messmer's UV Plus for Hardwoods or Cabot Australian Timber Oil.
Not sure how much you need? Use our deck stain coverage calculator, or email Sales@TheStainDepot.com with your wood type and deck size.