Do you need to pressure wash first? Sand or otherwise prep before application? I've gotten many mixed messages. How often is it needed especially with the amount of sun exposure in Tx? Is this something that is DIY or does a professional need to do?

Hi leramos1,

Like Rockin' Fine Finish mentioned, the best way to maintain Ipe's darker color is to use Ipe Oil. This oil is mineral based and has a UV protection to prevent the wood from turning gray and dulling out. Typically before applying Ipe Oil, we recommend using some sort of hardwood cleaner and brightener. If there are stains that this method didn't get out, pressure washing would be an option.

You can expect to use do a reapplication of Oil every other year or so, depending on how much sun and what whether conditions the Ipe is exposed to.

Hope this helps!.

Thx for the advice. We are planning to design a front entry with part of an exterior wall with wood siding/cladding. The entry wall then continues indoor and will be cladded with wood as well. I am concerned about the interior Ipe cladding changing color at a slower rate than the exterior wall and then maintain a consistent color between the exterior and interior elements as obviously we couldn't power wash the interior accent wall. Thx again for the advice.

The interior wood, if it sees virtually no sun, it will turn grey at a very slow pace. You can expect to have to re oil the exterior part of the wall 4 to 5 times before your interior will need any maintenance. So your consistency in color will be determined by your exterior rather than your interior.

The home is a modern home with open floor plan with lots of window so will likely get some light. would you then recommend hand sanding to prep the ipe prior to applying ipe oil?

Sanding should be the last option for Ipe. The wood is very dense and sanding can clog up any small pores where the Ipe Oil can penetrate the wood. Since this will be a new installation of Ipe, you can apply the Ipe oil once everything is installed.

I was wondering more about maintenance after the initial install. How would prep the interior wood a few years down the road after the wood has oxidized? As I mentioned this is a modern home with lots of window and a fair about of interior sun exposure. Thanks.

There is really no
difference in the exterior and the interior when it comes to the oiling. The
interior will most likely be easier to refinish many years down the road. It
will not have the aggressive weathering as the material outdoors, and therefor won' require complicated products or power washing. It will be as
simple as wiping new oil on.