We have received some beautiful before and after pictures of a wooden boat that has been finished with Owatrol Deks Olje D1 and D2.
These images are courtesy of Igoe International in Ireland. They used the famous pairing of D1 and D2 to create a beautiful finish that will last. D1 and D2 are a very popular due and today we are going to explain why.
Quick project summary
- Project Type: Wooden boat marine restoration & high-gloss finishing
- Products Featured: Deks Olje D1 penetrating wood oil & Deks Olje D2 high gloss marine finish
- Recommended Wood Types: All hard woods and tropical woods: Oak, Chestnut, Ash, Teak, Ipe, Mahogany, Bangkirai etc. and softwoods such as: Pine, Larch, Spruce etc.
- Core Benefit: Complete protection that will not peel or flake in harsh saltwater environments
What is the difference between Deks Olje D1 and D2?
Deks Olje D1 is a deep penetrating, saturating wood oil, that protects from within with a matte finish.
Deks Olje D2 is a flexible, high-gloss topcoat applied exclusively over D1, to provide a durable, varnish-like shine that moves with the wood and won’t peel or flake.
Why choose Deks Olje D1 & D2 for marine wood protection?
Protecting marine wood requires a system that handles natural timber movement, intense UV radiation and continuous moisture exposure. The combination of Owatrol Deks Olje D1 and Deks Olje D2 provides a two-part solution that outperforms traditional marine varnishes and surface oils.
The method behind our system
Traditional marine varnishes sit on top of the wooden surfaces and eventually crack and craze when water eventually gets underneath. Deks Olje D1 saturates deep inside of the wood fibres and as such, water is physically blocked from entering the woods core.
This allows the high-gloss Deks Olje D2 topcoat to remain flexible and bonded, without peeling, flaking or blistering.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to apply Deks Olje D1 & D2
Step 1 – Surface Preparation & Pre-Treatment:
Essential step: Ensure maximum absorption
Before starting, the timber must be completely clean, dry and free of previous paint, varnish, or any other surface contaminants.
- To strip old oils or finishes, clean the wood thoroughly using a dedicated wood cleaner such as Owatrol Aquanett or Owatrol Prepdeck.
- Neutralise the wood using Owatrol Net-Trol before allowing it to fully dry for 2-3 days.
Step 2 – Applying Deks Olje D1 (Wet-on-Wet Saturation):
Apply generously until the wood stops absorbing.
- Apply Deks Olje D1 using a high quality brush or roller.
- Work in manageable sections that can be completed within 15 minutes.
- Apply D1 “wet-on-wet” – i.e do not allow the surface to dry between coats. Keep applying additional coats as the oil soaks into the wood (typically every 15–30 minutes).
- Continue until the wood is completely saturated and refuses to absorb more oil.
- Crucial Final Step: Leave the final coat for 30 minutes, then wipe away all excess oil using a lint free cloth damp with D1. D1’s place is inside the wood, not on top of it.
If you prefer a rich, natural matte finish, your project is complete! If you desire a mirror-like high gloss, proceed to Step 3
Step 3 – Applying Deks Olje D2 High Gloss Topcoat:
Build a flexible, durable shine
- Once the Deks Olje D1 has fully set (wait 24 hours), you can begin applying Deks Olje D2.
- Apply a total of 6 coats of D2 for optimal build and marine protection. Allow a minimum of 12 hours of drying time between each coat.
- All 6 coats should be applied within a 1-month window.
No Sanding Required: Unlike traditional varnishes, sanding between coats of D2 is not required, but for an extra smooth glass finish, lightly sand between coats 5 and 6 using 600-grit wet sandpaper
Step 4 – Curing & Service Setup:
Allow time to set before launching.
In a marine environment, allow at least 3 full days for Deks Olje D2 to dry and cure completely before placing the vessel back into service or placing it in water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What coverage can I expect from Deks Olje D1 and D2?
- Deks Olje D1: Coverage varies depending on wood porosity, but averages 1 to 4 m² per litre for the full saturation process on raw wood.
- Deks Olje D2: Coverage is approximately 10 to 12 m² per litre per coat.
Can I apply Deks Olje D2 to walking areas on my boat deck?
No. We strongly advise against applying D2 on boat decks or walking surfaces. Deks Olje D2 creates a high-gloss finish that becomes extremely slippery when wet. Use Deks Olje D1 alone on walking decks for a matte, non-slip, protected surface.
Can I paint directly over Deks Olje D1?
No. Deks Olje D1 is a saturating wood oil designed to nourish wood fibres. Single-pack paints or water-based coatings (such as standard deck paints) cannot bond properly to D1-saturated timber. D1 is designed to be left as a matte finish or covered with D2.
Images credit to Igoe International
We hope you enjoyed this post on a wooden boat being finished with Deks Olje D1 and D2. If you have any other tips, tricks, or advice to keep your boat in tip top condition, please feel free to comment below and share!
Want to keep up with all things Owatrol? Why not follow us on social media? You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest at @owatroluk or at the hashtag #owatroluk
About Owatrol Team
Our team are ready and willing to support you with your requirements whether it is protecting your newly laid deck or renovating a luxury yacht, whatever the application Owatrol has the solution you are looking for.
Can you paint over decks olje d1
Hi there,
You can’t paint over Deks Olje D1 with one of our paint products (such as Decking Paint, SCS or Shed and Fence Paint) as they are saturating products and so work by bonding with the wood fibres to prevent peeling and flaking.
All the best,
The Owatrol Team