Wiping Stain coming off new IPE Deck - HELP

[cburger71]

I recently (about 6~7weeks ago) applies Woodrich Wiping Stain to my new Ipe Deck.  Since the deck was new, the only prep I did was to clean the deck well a couple of days before.  I didn't use any chemicals, only some soap and water, rinsed it good and let it dry for about a week.  I applied the wiping stain as directed, spreading it evenly a section at a time with a horse hair brush, waited approx. 15 minutes and then wiped the excess.  The temperature was about 50 degrees and there were 4 days of dry weather before the deck was exposed to only minor precipitation.

Everything looked great, until today I noticed that it appears the finish has begun to dull, to the point of no finish, in many areas.  This occurred after our first snowfall of the season and then some melting over the past couple of days.   
 
There's not much I can do about it now as winter is in full force in Chicago, but come Spring am I able to just clean the surface and put a 2nd coat on?  I've heard that the density of Ipe does make it a challenge for most material to absorb properly.  I'm hoping this isn't going to require me to sand the deck.  Any direction you can give me would be great.

[Russell Cissell]

It sounds like perhaps too many variables were working against you on this particular application.  I don't think you will have to sand in the spring.  I would recommend that you go through the two step prep process before staining your deck again.

The cleaning and brightening process conditions the wood to accept the stain better.

In general, the cooler it is outside, the less the stain will penetrate.  The finish will dry to touch at 50 degrees but it needs temps of 60 or more to fully cure.  If the finish does not fully cure it will not have the strength to hold up to the freeze thaw cycle you are experiencing in Chicago.

Obviously these are all things that would have been helpful to know, before you applied the stain.  We want you to be satisfied with your overall experience with Woodrich Brand products.  When you order more stain in the spring, mention this posting and I will give you a credit for the Cleaner(EFC-38) and Brightener(Cirtalic) you will need to refinish the deck.

Stay Warm!

[cburger71]

hecko Russell.  Yeah, I was afraid the cool weather may be not worked in my favor.  Oh, well, the good news is that it sounds like I won't need to sand it, which I was afraid of.

I actually ordered 2 - gallons for the wiping stain with my 1st order and only used 1 of the gallons, so I've got extra come Spring.  But I will be in touch in the Spring to order the Cleaner(EFC-38) and Brightener(Cirtalic). 

Thanks again for your help!

[Russell Cissell]

Okay, sounds great.