RONSEAL Ultimate Protection Decking Oil Natural 5L

Created a patio using “waxed” decking. This applies evenly, smoothly and allows the natural colour of the decking to shine through - so applies as a translucent oil which enhances the natural wood colour and not a stain. Covers well when applied with a good quality brush. Touch dry within 4 hours, fully useable within 24 hours. Rain sits on the decking. Having used this for about 5 years, I can honestly say that it is very anti-slip. The price has fluctuated and it’s now considerably more expensive than when I first used it but great quality, functionality / use and, most importantly - non-slip.

Easy to use product. Effective outcome, gives excellent protection on decking. Used last year and keeps decking looking as good as new. A trusted product at a reasonable price.

There is a rather confusing array of products when it comes to decking oils/stains/protectors etc. I had to do some research to differentiate the products. Briefly; - Decking Stains are water based which form a protective top-coating in the selected colour. This topcoat protects from water and sunlight damage to the wood, and it provides the most protection. The downside is that it can peel with time and leave a very scrappy appearance. - Decking Oils are oil-based, and absorbed into the wood replacing natural oils rather than sitting on the surface. These are coloured (even natural) to protect against UV, and the oil prevents water penetrating the wood. The advantage is because it isn't like a surface paint, it will not peel with time and so can be readily re-oiled with less preparation. They contain a pigment for UV protection, but offer lower weather-proofing than decking stains (according to claims). - Decking Protectors are waxed based, and provide a waxy waterproof coat when dry. Again, this is a surface water protector which can flake/peel over time. - Wood preservers which are solvents containing anti-fungal and insecticide compounds. The solvent carries these into the wood helping to prevent insect and fungal decay. Most (probably all) decking has been pressure pretreated in a similar manner making wood preservatives unnecessary. However some treating of the cut ends and knots etc. is a good idea. Having said that the Ronseal Ultimate Decking Oil and Ronseal Decking Oil (regular) are slightly different. Although both are decking oils, the Ultimate is actually water-based, whereas the regular Decking Oil is a traditional oil-based product. The easiest way to differentiate is to look at the brush cleaning instructions; if it says 'wash brushes in water' it is water-based, whereas if it says 'use white-spirit' (or similar) it is an oil-based product. It seems a bit contradictory to have a water-based oil, but Ronseal claim this is a new linseed oil based technology, and offers greater protection over traditional decking oil. It seems to me more like an emulsion than an oil. So, my experience. It is very easy to apply with a fence-type coarse brush and permeates the contours of the decking easily. The 'natural' actually has a slight tint which offers UV protection and slightly darkens the wood to a shade similar to it having been wetted by rain. However, I thought this added pleasing and even colour. The natural oil looks a bit like café latte, smells of linseed oil, but does foam slightly on agitation, although this is not a problem. The smell is only slight but it does remind me of oiling a cricket bat. It is claimed to be rain proof in about 90 minutes. I didn't test this, but did notice the next day it had left in places, mainly in the grooves, left a slight residue a bit like light brown curds. I assume this is where there was slightly larger amounts of the oil and the residue was left on drying. Many have commented on this, but for me it brushed off readily and any remainder faded or was washed away leaving nothing permanent. However, it does suggest the formulation is not optimal. Personally I didn't notice any real tackiness the next day, and thought the finish was good; quite even, and a slight dull sheen as if it had been oiled, but not at all slippery (no change to grip). Rain water sits on the surface. In terms of coverage, it is claimed to cover 20m2 of grooved decking with two coats, but in my hands I would estimate more like 15-16m2 (and I didn't think I was being particularly liberal in application), so that's about 25% less than Ronseal claim. In all, I am pleased with the finish, found any issues (slight transient residues and less coverage) to be small, and would recommend as a suitable decking choice. However, I guess time will tell whether the protective properties are good! Last, and not least, the current price on this site is good compared with local DIY stores.

I bought the natural colour and thought it would be clear; had a very light yellow/cream tint to it. First time I’ve painted a new deck so didn’t apply enough the first coat so applied more second coat. Easy to apply with long handled brush. I enjoyed using it and was super easy to apply.

So far so good! I have brand new decking and used this decking oil today. The first coat has gone on well and I will attempt the second coat tomorrow. As you can see from the pictures, it’s made a huge difference. One picture shows me half way through and you can see the difference. I can not yet comment on how it stands up to wear, tear and weather yet, but I would hope for it to be fine.