If you want to preserve the original color…
Ipé is naturally a uniform brown color. Keep in mind that the original color of all woods will gray out with time when placed outdoors and exposed to ultraviolet rays (UV). This is a function of UV light bleaching the wood over time.
If you want to preserve the original color of our Ipé, we recommend using the Penofin Pro Tech Brightener and a quart can of Penofin Verde Oil Finish
These products are intended for furniture that has been slightly grayed-out in the weather, and will effectively treat the wood surface and restore the original color.
Please note: These products should only be used after the original finish begins to lighten in color (after approximately 2-3 months of outdoor exposure depending on your local weather conditions).
Step 1: Penofin Pro Tech Brightener
This treatment is essential to prepare the wood surface prior to applying Penofin Verde wood finish. Before using any Penofin product eye protection and rubber gloves should be worn. Cover the ground under your work area before starting.
The Penofin Pro Tech Brightener prepares the wood surface for better Penofin Verde penetration, and brightens gray weathered wood to bring back that mill-bright color. This product is biodegradable, nonflammable and contains no VOCs.
Application: Empty the packet of Penofin Brightener into one gallon of clean water and mix. Wet the surface with a garden hose and sprayer. Using a plastic-pump garden sprayer or brush, apply the solution liberally. DO NOT ALLOW THE SOLUTION TO DRY ON THE SURFACE. Mist occasionally and agitate with non-metallic stiff brush for ten to fifteen minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water.
ALWAYS WEAR RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND SOLID SHOES WHEN APPLYING THESE PRODUCTS. SURFACE WILL BE SLIPPERY. DO NOT INHALE POWDER. DO NOT MIX IN A METAL CONTAINER. DO NOT STORE DILUTED SOLUTION. DO NOT MIX WITH CHLORINE BLEACH OR OTHER CHEMICALS. HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED. CAN CAUSE EYE AND SKIN BURNS.
If your furniture has been allowed to completely gray out, or if the wood surface has become heavily stained with water spots or food stains, it is recommended that you also clean the wood surface with Ipé Cleaner. Allow the wood surface to dry completely for 24-48 hours before proceeding to Step 2.
Step 2: Penofin Verde Oil Finish
Once completely dried, the furniture is now ready to be finished with Penofin Verde. This final step of applying Penofin Verde finish will return your Ipé furniture to its brown color.
Apply one coat and wait 15-20 minutes, thoroughly wipe the entire surface with a nap-free cloth until the wood feels dry to the touch. Please note that any excess oil left on the surface will congeal and result in a tacky finish.
Following this treatment, we recommend that Penofin Verde be applied once per season (table tops and other horizontal surfaces may require a second application). Remember that the wood surface needs to be clean and completely dry before applying the Penofin Verde. Depending on weather conditions, a single application of Penofin Verde should be dry to touch and ready to use within 24-48 hours. Please note that outdoor cushions or other fabrics should not be allowed to remain in direct contact with the recently finished surface during wet weather, until the finish has been allowed to completely dry and set (approximately 1-2 weeks depending on local weather conditions).
Ipé Cleaner
If your furniture has completely grayed out…
If you have allowed your furniture to completely gray out, or if the wood surface has become heavily stained with water spots or food stains, it is recommended that you also clean the wood surface with Ipé Cleaner. First apply Ipé Cleaner, then rinse with clean water and allow to completely dry. Finally apply Penofin Verde to return and preserve the brown color.
Wood Shield
If you want to prevent food stains on tables…
Wood Shield applied to the finished table tops provides a full year protection from household food stains – wine, olive oil, grease stains, water spotting, etc.