Merbau Sanded Deck - Tannin and Oils?

I have recently had my merbau deck sanded back to bring the original colour of the merbau, and it has come up really well - so now I am in the process of deciding what oil or coating to use to protect it from further wear and damage...

Firstly, I gave the deck a wash with the hose yesterday afternoon and noticed a soapy residue coming out from the timber, is this tannin or perhaps left over oil from when the deck was first coated 18 months ago? (cabot's natural decking oil was used).

Since the deck has been sanded I have been reading up on some of the oils and "Spa n Deck" seems to be a good product from the information I have read up on it.

I am wondering since it has been newly sanded whether I should be applying the 'Powerlift' product, then the 'Spa n Deck Prep' before applying the 'Spa n Deck' itself?

It seems like a lengthy process, so I would love to hear whether the Powerlift and Prep products really need to be used before hand.

Any replies would be appreciated and will keep you all updated on how the deck will look once I have decided on a coating to use. If there is another product out there that you would recommend would love to hear about it.

Regards, Shaun (sticks1977) :)


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