Messmer's UV Plus Penetrating Deck Stain & Oil Finish

Messmer's UV Plus is an oil-based penetrating deck stain for decks, fences, siding and log homes. It soaks into the wood instead of forming a film, so it won't peel or flake. Transparent iron oxide pigments block UV while showing the grain, and built-in mildewcides help resist mildew and algae. When it's time to refresh, just clean and recoat. No stripping or sanding.

Key Features

Penetrating, non-film-forming oil finish that won't peel.
Transparent UV protection that keeps the natural wood look.
Mildew and algae resistant.
High solids for water repellency without wax.
One coat for most jobs.
Easy maintenance: clean and reapply, with no stripping.

Where to Use It

Exterior decks, docks, fences, siding and log homes in cedar, pine, fir, redwood and pressure-treated lumber. Not for interior use or over paint or film-forming stains. For Ipe, mahogany and other dense hardwoods, use Messmer's UV Plus for Hardwoods.

Colours and Sizes

3.79 L in Natural, Natural Pine/Fir, Natural Cedar, Natural Redwood, Oxford Brown, Dark Walnut, Oak Brown, Driftwood Gray and Clear. 18.9 L in Natural. Clear has no UV-blocking pigment, so it greys faster in full sun.

UV Plus or a Hardwood Oil?

UV Plus is made for softwoods and pressure-treated lumber. Dense tropical hardwoods don't absorb it well, so they need UV Plus for Hardwoods. For another penetrating option, see Penofin Penetrating Oil Finish.

Specs & Coverage

Rough wood: 100–150 sq ft per 3.79 L
Smooth wood: 150–250 sq ft per 3.79 L
18.9 L: about 500–1,250 sq ft

Type	Solvent-borne blend of natural oils and alkyds
Finish	Penetrating, no surface film
Coats	1 for most applications
Dry time	24 hours in good drying conditions. Keep rain off for 24–48 hours
Application temperature	7–32 °C (45–90 °F), surface not hot to the touch
Application	Brush, pad, roller, garden sprayer or airless spray (0.015–0.019 tip), then back-brush
Thinning	Do not thin
Clean-up	Paint thinner
Recoat interval	Decks 1–2 years. Rough vertical 3–4 years. Smooth vertical 2–3 years

Application Guide

Clean and brighten. Always clean grey or dirty wood with a wood cleaner and brightener, then let it dry 24–48 hours.
Let new wood weather. New redwood needs 6–8 weeks, and previously treated wood must be weathered enough to absorb the oil.
Mix well. Stir in all settled pigment, and box (intermix) cans for an even colour.
Apply at 7–32 °C out of hot sun, with no rain expected for 24–48 hours.
Keep a wet edge along the full length of each board, and don't stop in the middle of a board. Back-brush or roll after spraying.
Wipe off any stain that hasn't soaked in within 30–60 minutes, or it will leave a shiny, tacky surface.
Dispose of rags safely. Oil-soaked rags can catch fire on their own. Put them in a sealed, water-filled metal container.

FAQ

1How much stain do I need for my deck?

Plan on 150–250 sq ft per 3.79 L on smooth boards and 100–150 on rough wood. A 300 sq ft deck with railings usually needs 2–3 gallons for one coat.

2How many coats should I apply?

One coat is enough for most applications. More isn't better. Any stain that doesn't soak in has to be wiped off.

3Can I use it on pressure-treated wood?

Yes, including CCA, ACQ and copper azole treated lumber. Let new pressure-treated wood dry and weather until it absorbs water, then clean and brighten before staining.

4Can I apply it over my old deck stain?

Over UV Plus or another penetrating oil, yes. Just clean and recoat once it's weathered. Over paint or a solid or film-forming stain, no. That has to be stripped first.

5How long does it last?

Usually 1–2 years on decks, 2–3 years on smooth siding and fences, and 3–4 years on rough vertical wood. Sun, weather and exposure make the biggest difference.

6Why is my deck shiny or tacky after staining?

Too much stain was left on the surface. Wipe off anything that hasn't soaked in within 30–60 minutes. Within 48 hours, Messmer's says lacquer thinner or MEK will remove it.

7When is the best time to stain a deck in Canada?

Late spring to early fall, on a dry, mild day between 7 and 32 °C with no rain for 24–48 hours. Avoid hot afternoon sun on the boards.

Messmer's UV Plus Wood Stain