Owatrol Aquadecks Water-Based Decking & Exterior Wood Stain – Matt Finish – 1L, 5L & 20L

Product Overview

AQUADECKS® by Owatrol is an advanced, water-based penetrating wood finish that provides a rich, long-lasting matt appearance for all exterior and interior timber. Formulated with premium UV-absorbing transoxide pigments, AQUADECKS® saturates deep into the wood fibres to stabilise timber from within—protecting decks, cladding, and outdoor furniture against cracking, warping, and moisture damage.

Unlike surface coatings that peel or flake, AQUADECKS® is an internal saturator that leaves no film on the surface. It is suitable for both new and weathered timber, including dense exotic hardwoods (such as Ipe, Teak, and Cumaru), thermo-treated woods, and softwoods (Cedar, Larch, Pressure-Treated Pine).

Key Features & Benefits

• Deep Penetrating Protection: Saturates into the wood grain rather than sitting on top, preventing peeling, flaking, or blistering.
• Advanced UV & Moisture Shield: Formulated with transoxide pigments to resist UV degradation and prevent water absorption.
• Accentuates Natural Grain: Delivers a rich, natural matt finish that highlights the raw beauty of exotic hardwoods and softwoods.
• Wet-on-Wet Application: Fast 2-coat application process completed in a single session without waiting for coats to dry in between.
• Low Odor & Water Clean-Up: Environmentally friendly water-based formula cleans up quickly with simple soap and water.
• Versatile Wood Compatibility: Safe for softwoods, hardwoods, thermo-woods, and sensitive tannin-rich species.

Recommended Applications & Substrates

• Decking & Docks: Exterior softwood and dense hardwood decking boards.
• Cladding & Siding: Vertical wood facades, cedar shingles, and weatherboarding.
• Garden Features: Fences, gates, pergolas, summerhouses, and outdoor timber structures.
• Outdoor Furniture: Teak garden tables, chairs, and benches.
• Timber Types: Exotic hardwoods (Ipe, Teak, Cumaru, Mahogany), softwoods (Cedar, Larch, Pressure-Treated Pine, Douglas Fir), and Thermo-wood.

Surface Preparation Guide

Surfaces must be completely clean, dry (moisture content below 18%), and free from dirt, grease, and previous surface coatings before application.

General Preparation

• Mildew: Scrub affected areas with a 50/50 bleach and water solution. Leave for 10–15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
• Drying Time Before Finishing: After cleaning or stripping, allow wood to dry for 2–3 good drying days before applying AQUADECKS®.
• Previous Non-Aquadecks Coatings: All previous oils, paints, stains, or varnishes MUST be completely removed back to bare wood using an appropriate stripper (e.g., AQUANETT® or DILUNETT®) and neutralised with NET-TROL®.

Specific Wood Conditions

• New Wood & Mill Glaze: New timber features a smooth, shiny barrier called “mill glaze” that prevents penetration. Remove mill glaze using AQUANETT®, neutralise with NET-TROL®, or lightly sand with 80-grit paper. Test absorbency by sprinkling water on the wood—if absorbed quickly, it is ready to finish.
• Untreated Weathered Wood (6+ months): Clean thoroughly with undiluted NET-TROL® cleaner & brightener to remove loose wood fibres, grey graying, and surface dirt.
• Tannin-Rich & Hardwoods (Cedar, Teak, Ipe): Stripping agents may temporarily darken tannin-rich woods. Neutralising immediately with NET-TROL® will lighten and restore the wood’s natural tone.

Application Instructions (“Wet-on-Wet”)

Always apply between 10°C and 30°C. Do not apply in direct hot sunlight or if rain is expected within 12 hours.

1. First Coat: Apply a liberal, even application of AQUADECKS® working in the direction of the wood grain.
2. Second Coat (Wet-on-Wet): Allow 15–20 minutes for the first coat to penetrate. Apply the second coat as soon as the wet sheen of the first coat disappears. Do NOT allow the product to become touch-dry between coats.
3. Remove Excess: Within 20 minutes of applying the final coat, brush out any excess product or puddles that haven’t absorbed. AQUADECKS® works inside the wood, not on top—excess surface film will dry as shiny spots.

Technical Specifications