The Ultimate Ipe Oil Showdown

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Selection Process
3. The Five Oils
   • 3.1 Penofin Penetrating Oil Finish
   • 3.2 Messmers UV Plus
   • 3.3 Cabots Australian Timber Oil
   • 3.4 Ipe Oil
   • 3.5 Armstrong Clark Wood Stain
4. The Test Setup
5. Initial Application and Setup
6. Six-Month Update
7. Disappointing Results
8. Looking Forward to the One-Year Mark
9. Conclusion
10. FAQs

🏆 Highlights

• Testing the durability of five oils on hardwoods from South America
• Explaining the selection process and criteria for choosing the oils
• Applying the oils according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Monitoring the condition of the test pieces after six months
• Expressing disappointment with the results so far
• Teasing the upcoming one-year mark update

Introduction

In this two-year journey, we are going to explore the durability of five different oils on hardwoods from South America. We will assess their performance at the six-month, one-year, and two-year marks. This article aims to provide insights into the initial application, six-month update, and our expectations for the one-year mark.

The Selection Process

When choosing the five oils for this test, two criteria were considered. Firstly, they had to offer UV protection, which is crucial for preserving the natural beauty of hardwoods. All five oils chosen met this requirement. Secondly, the oils had to be low-maintenance, excluding film-forming finishes. Film-forming finishes require regular sanding or stripping for reapplication, which is time-consuming. The selected oils offer a balance between high protection and low maintenance.

The Five Oils

3.1 Penofin Penetrating Oil Finish

Penofin Penetrating Oil Finish is one of the oils selected for this test. Specifically mentioned on the label is its suitability for Brazilian hardwoods. It offers deep penetration and UV protection, making it an appealing choice for protecting the beauty of these hardwoods.

3.2 Messmers UV Plus

Messmers UV Plus is another oil included in this test. It is designed for hardwood decks, offering protective benefits to the wood. Although not explicitly mentioning South American hardwoods, further reading on the label reveals references to their suitability.

3.3 Cabots Australian Timber Oil

Cabots Australian Timber Oil is a versatile oil that can be used on decks, siding, railings, and outdoor furniture. While the label does not specifically mention South American hardwoods, it does indicate a compatibility with various wood types. The use of this oil ensures a wider application range for our test.

3.4 Ipe Oil

As the name suggests, Ipe Oil targets ipe wood, which is one of the South American hardwoods under examination. Ipe Oil is formulated to enhance the natural hue and protect the wood from UV damage. Its compatibility with the selected hardwoods makes it an important contender in our test.

3.5 Armstrong Clark Wood Stain

Armstrong Clark Wood Stain is designed for decks, fences, and siding. The label specifies its compatibility with hardwoods and it holds the promise of providing lasting protection. The inclusion of this oil allows for a comprehensive evaluation of its performance on South American hardwoods.

The Test Setup

To conduct this test, I have prepared six vertical and six horizontal pieces of wood. The vertical pieces represent siding, while the horizontal pieces simulate decks. All oils will be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions using a brand-new brush for each product. This setup allows us to evaluate how the oils fare under different conditions, such as direct sunlight and limited water exposure.

Initial Application and Setup

The oils have been applied to the test pieces in accordance with the instructions provided by each manufacturer. The initial application process revealed some variations in absorption, with Messmers and Penofin requiring slightly more material compared to the others. Close-up photographs of each application can be found on the corresponding blog post for this video.

The test pieces have been placed outside to face the elements 24/7. However, it appears that rain is already making an appearance, which will provide an unexpected challenge for the oils. We will monitor the progress and assess the condition of the test pieces after the six-month mark.

Six-Month Update

After a six-month period, it is disheartening to report that the results have not met our expectations. The condition of the test pieces, both horizontal and vertical, is disappointing. Although there are slight differences, the overall appearance is far from satisfactory. These oils, which were selected for their UV protection and low-maintenance characteristics, have not withstood the test of time thus far.

Looking Forward to the One-Year Mark

Despite the disappointing results at the six-month mark, we remain committed to completing this test as initially planned. The one-year mark will bring its own set of assessments and potential changes to the test setup. We are open to suggestions from manufacturers or viewers on how to improve the test or achieve more accurate results. To receive updates on the progress and to witness any modifications, make sure to subscribe and click the notification bell.

Conclusion

The assessment of five oils on South American hardwoods has revealed unsatisfactory results at the six-month mark. However, the journey is not over yet. We eagerly await the one-year mark to evaluate the oils' performance over a longer duration. Stay tuned for the next update, where we will bring new insights and potential improvements to this ongoing test.

FAQs

Q: Why were these specific oils chosen for the test? A: The oils were selected based on their UV protection capabilities and their status as non-film-forming finishes, ensuring low maintenance.

Q: Do the oils explicitly mention South American hardwoods on their labels? A: While some oils mention specific wood types, not all of them reference South American hardwoods directly. However, their general compatibility with hardwoods makes them suitable for our test.

Q: Are there any plans to modify the test setup for better results? A: We are open to suggestions from manufacturers and viewers to enhance the test setup and achieve more reliable outcomes. Stay tuned for potential modifications in upcoming updates.