Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Stain Review

I hate it when a perfectly good weekend goes to waste.  And what's been annoying this year is that every bank holiday really has hit us by surprise.  We're normally all over them, packing our campervan days before and heading for the beach the moment we finish work.  Sadly this year a poorly camper has got in the way, so it's been a very expensive 2016.

So, what do you do when you have no means to go away?  Ok, well there's real camping in a tent of course, but this time I contested to spending petrol money and put towards things we needed, like a new lawn mower and finish many DIY jobs.  The first priority on my list however, was staining the new decking I designed.

I've always been told by my Dad that sheds and fencing need to be treated every two years and what better way to do it with the colour of your choice?  He has a huge dipping station full of stain at his woodyard and it's fascinating to watch while fence panels are doused, brushed over on any missed bits, then lifted and left to dry.  It's transformed with in a matter of seconds.  But since I have no need or space for this, I picked up a basic wide brush, a pad and used a one and a half tins of Ronseal 2.5 Litre Ultimate Protection Decking Stain* .

Apart from the colour, I really had no expectations but when I'd finished as I'd never done this before but was amazed with its rich luxurious depth of colour in Country Oak.  It also have, a very subtle almost satin look combined with a safer non-slip touch for the feet.  I've never really been a fan of decking when it gets wet; it can be so dangerously slippy, but have a feeling I'll never need to worry until 2018.

Anyway, I thought I'd list you a few tips if you're looking to do the same and how easy it was.

1. Clean your decking first.
   Since mine was only a month old, it wasn't really dirty, so scrubbed it clean with a solution of 4 ltr hot water, ½ cup of washing up liquid and ½ cup of bleach.  And then finally hosed the suds down and leave to dry completely.  If it's slimy, you may need to use Ronseal's Decking Cleaner.  Some suggest sanding it down first, but as it was bare wood, I never saw any need.
2. Check The Weather.
   Make sure it's going to be a dry sunnyish day before you start.
3. Wear Gloves.
   The stain isn't the easiest to get off the skin.  It doesn't soak in, but it's hard to scrub off from the odd flick I experienced.  But to be extra safe (and after burning my fingers during my tiling project recently), this time, I thought I'd make use of Marigold Latex Extra Universal Disposable Gloves**.  They so slim, not obtrusive  and perfect for the job.  They also come in a handy pack of 60 if you've got umpteen things to do like me.
4. Start Your First Coat.
   Make sure you're painting the hard to access areas first and in my case, from the back to front.  I was far too excited initally and dove in the larger areas but you don't want to be walking over the painted areas when you're done.  Obvious I know, but I made the mistake!
5. Leave for 4 hours to Dry.
   Before you start applying your 2nd coat, leave it for 4 hours but it in my case, it was definitely touch dry within an hour.

It has rained since completing our project and we soon noticed beads of water sitting on the decking rather than soaking in so it gives it a nice barrier to protect.

It'll be a few months to see how it's wearing but so far, we would definitely use this again.

*PR Sample I Requested.  
**PR Sample.

Please note that all views are my own but am thankful these products have helped us save up for the jobs that need professionals, eg loft conversion repairs, a staircase moving, new driveway etc.