Ipe wood maintenance : our tips for protecting your outdoor furniture

Caring for ipe wood is key to preserving the exceptional elegance and durability of this exotic wood. Dense, resistant, and naturally rot-proof, ipe withstands the elements better than most other types of wood. However, without proper care, its warm color will turn silvery gray from the effects of sun and rain. Some people appreciate this natural patina, while others want to preserve the original color. Here’s how to maintain ipe professionally, while avoiding common mistakes.

 

Why maintain your outdoor ipe wood furniture?

Ipe is an extremely dense tropical hardwood, one of the densest woods in the world (over 1,000 kg/m³). Native to South America, ipe is an exotic wood known for its exceptional natural durability thanks to its high oil content and very tight structure. Its surface has few open pores, which limits the absorption of finishing products. This density is an asset in terms of resistance to fungi, insects, mold, and moisture. These characteristics of ipe wood therefore require a specific approach when cleaning and treating it.

However, even such a robust wood is affected by the climate. Outdoors, ipe is exposed to UV rays, temperature variations, and humidity. Under the influence of these various elements, the surface pigments degrade. Within a few months, ipe changes from a deep golden brown to a silvery gray. This change is purely aesthetic, but it completely alters the appearance of the furniture. 

Proper maintenance allows you to:

• preserve the original luster and color;
• nourish the fibers and limit microcracks caused by drying out;
• optimize protection against stains and dirt on your outdoor wood.

 

How to clean your outdoor ipe wood furniture?

Whether it’s ipe wood, teak wood, or any other exotic wood, proper maintenance always starts with careful cleaning. Ipe does not like aggressive methods: everything must be done gently so as not to damage its surface. Knowing how to clean ipe wood correctly is essential for preserving its natural elegance without damaging its dense structure.

1. Gentle brushing

Before washing, dust with a soft-bristled brush. The aim is to remove leaves, dust, sand, or food residue that accumulates between the slats and in the pores of the wood. This step prevents these particles from scratching the surface during washing.

2. Washing with clean water

Rinse the furniture with clean water to remove any remaining dirt. A simple garden hose is sufficient. Avoid using a high-pressure cleaner at all costs: the force of the jet tears away the fibers on the surface, creating a rough texture that traps dirt and accelerates aging.

3. Neutral soap

For thorough cleaning (in the case of grease stains, for example), mix wood cleaner or a mild soap (black soap or liquid Marseille soap) with warm water. Apply with a soft brush or sponge, always rubbing in the direction of the wood grain to preserve its structure. The soap dissolves grease and revives the surface without damaging the fibers.

4. Rinsing

Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of soap. Allow to air dry, preferably in the shade, to prevent rapid drying, which can cause slight cracks.

Common mistake: scrubbing with a wire brush or using an overly powerful high-pressure cleaner. This creates micro-cracks where water can seep in.

 

How often should you maintain your outdoor ipe wood furniture?

Regular maintenance of your ipe wood furniture prevents dirt from becoming ingrained. In general:

• Twice a year: clean in the spring to remove residue left by winter, and again in the fall before the cold weather sets in.
• Three to four times a year: in urban, industrial, or marine environments, where pollution and salt accelerate dirt buildup.

Monitor the appearance of the wood: if the surface becomes dull or sticky, it’s time to take action.

 

Preserving the color of ipe wood: oils and saturators

Since this wood is not factory-treated, applying a saturator or oil every year will help maintain its original color and prevent graying. If you want to preserve the original honey-brown color, annual treatment is recommended.

Oil for ipe

A specific ipe oil, formulated for exotic woods, penetrates slightly, nourishes the surface, and accentuates the natural nuances. It limits drying, delays graying, and gives a slightly satin finish. The result is warmer than with a saturator, but it requires more frequent maintenance, often twice a year. The oil should be applied to dry wood in mild weather using a brush or lint-free cloth. It should be applied lightly: too much product will prevent the wood from breathing properly.

Tip: always wipe off any excess after 15 minutes to avoid sticky spots.

The saturator

This is the most popular protection because it is the most effective alternative. Formulated to penetrate deeply, it nourishes the wood and slows down the action of UV rays. Transparent or slightly tinted, it is applied with a brush or cloth, in one or two thin coats. Any excess must be wiped off to avoid sticky areas. A specific saturator for exotic woods is essential, as its formulation is adapted to the density of ipe. It offers more durable protection than standard oil.

Advantage: it does not form a film on the surface, preventing flaking and ensuring long-lasting protection for the wood.

 

Whether or not to allow ipe wood to weather: an aesthetic choice

Without treatment, ipe takes on a uniform silvery gray hue. This graying is purely aesthetic and does not compromise the strength of the wood.

Some homeowners like this natural look. This silvery patina can blend harmoniously into a natural environment, a minimalist or contemporary garden setting. 

Others prefer to revive the original color each year to keep it looking new and warm. In this case, regular protection is essential.

To restore the brown color, simply use an acid-based wood brightener (such as oxalic acid) followed by a protective treatment. This work requires precision to avoid leaving marks.

 

Steps for a complete annual maintenance of ipe wood

1. Dusting and washing: Remove all dirt with a soft brush, then wash with water and mild soap.
2. Complete drying: Wait at least 48 hours without rain before treating. Wood that is still damp will block the penetration of the product.
3. Light sanding (if necessary): Fine-grain sandpaper smooths the fibers and evens out the surface. Ideal if the furniture has rough spots or if the old finish is peeling.
4. Application of protective product: Saturator or oil, applied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Work on small areas at a time for an even result.
5. Wiping off excess: A dry, lint-free cloth removes any excess. This step prevents shiny and sticky areas.

 

Tips for extending the life of your ipe outdoor furniture

• Avoid prolonged contact with standing water or plastic mats or tablecloths, which retain moisture. Use glides or wedges to raise the furniture slightly.
• Protect it in winter by either bringing it indoors or covering it with a breathable cover to limit dirt buildup.
• Quickly clean up any wine, grease, or food stains to prevent them from penetrating the fibers and leaving stains.
• Avoid products containing strong solvents, which can alter the natural finish.
• On an uncovered deck, periodically change the orientation of the furniture for a uniform patina.
• Avoid placing pots or metal objects directly on the furniture, as they can leave marks.

 

Mistakes that shorten the life of ipe

• Aggressive sanding that opens up the fibers.
• Film-forming products (varnishes, stains not designed for exotic woods) that flake off quickly, or any other product not suitable for exotic wood species.
• Cleaning with chlorine or bleach, which discolors and weakens the wood.
• Forgetting to dry the wood before treatment, as applying a treatment to damp wood traps moisture beneath the surface.
• Cleaning with a high-pressure jet.
• Allowing organic debris to accumulate.
• Applying multiple thick coats that suffocate the wood.

 

Ipe: a safe bet if treated properly

Careful maintenance of ipe wood preserves the nobility and performance of this exceptional material for several decades. It is less a matter of increasing the number of treatments than of adapting them to the specific nature of this outdoor wood. Regular cleaning, appropriate treatment, and careful handling are the keys to preserving the beauty and strength of your furniture.

At JML, we know ipe down to its very fibers. Our selection of ipe and teak wood furniture is designed to last and withstand Quebec winters. Contact us to discover our ipe collection and benefit from our personalized advice on caring for teak or ipe wood.

 

Frequently asked questions about caring for ipe wood

1. Should I treat ipe as soon as I buy my furniture?

Yes, if you want to preserve its original color. Treating it with oil or saturator in the first few weeks will slow down the graying process. If you like the natural patina, no initial treatment is necessary.

2. When is the best time to maintain ipe?

Spring is ideal: the wood is dry and moderate temperatures promote product penetration. A second maintenance treatment can be done in the fall before winter.

3. Can I use a high-pressure cleaner or power washer?

No. The pressure tears away the surface fibers, making the wood rough and more vulnerable to dirt. Instead, use a soft water jet and a soft brush.

4. What is the difference between oil and saturator for ipe?

The saturator penetrates deeply and provides long-lasting protection against UV rays, with a more matte finish. The oil nourishes and warms the color but requires more frequent maintenance.

5. Is grayed ipe less strong?

No. Graying is purely aesthetic and does not alter the mechanical strength of the wood.

6. How long does a saturator last on ipe wood?

On average, 12 to 18 months, depending on exposure to sunlight and weather conditions. Light annual maintenance will extend the protection.

7. Do I need to sand the wood every time I maintain it?

Not always. Light sanding is only necessary if the surface is rough, stained, or if the old finish is peeling.

8. Can I mix oil and saturator?

No, you must choose one or the other. Mixing the two prevents proper penetration and reduces the effectiveness of the protection.

9. How can I protect my ipe furniture in winter?

Use a breathable cover and avoid direct contact with the ground to prevent moisture from collecting.

10. Is fungicide treatment necessary?

Ipe is naturally resistant to fungi thanks to its density and oil content. Fungicide treatment is not usually necessary.

11. What will happen to my ipe wood furniture if I don’t treat it?

It will gradually develop a silvery gray patina due to exposure to sunlight and rain. This change does not reduce its strength, but it does completely alter its appearance.

12. Do sunlight and shade have an impact on the condition of my furniture?

Yes. Direct exposure to sunlight accelerates graying and drying, while a very shaded area can promote green or mossy deposits. Ideally, alternate exposure or adapt maintenance according to location.

13. What should I do if my ipe wood furniture is already grayed?

Clean it thoroughly, apply a graying remover to revive the original color, then protect it with a saturator or suitable oil. This will restore it to an almost new appearance.