One TIME® Wood Protector

This spring I was asked to take the One TIME Challenge. The challenge was to try One TIME on our Cambara decking to see  the benefits of this proprietary acrylate resin blend to create a long lasting protection against the sun and weather.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Protects wood for at least seven years from sun, water and other elements (seven year limited warranty).  This eliminates the need to reapply wood sealer every one to two years as is necessary with conventional products.
  • The product is 100 percent solids and contains no solvents, silicones, oils, water, waxes or VOCs.
  • Penetrates into wood to become part of the wood’s cellular structure, protecting it from water and sunlight.  One TIME does not evaporate or wash away like other products that only coat the surface of wood.
  • Covers up to two times the square footage per gallon than conventional wood treatments, resulting in the need to purchase less product.

Existing Deck and Previous Deck Sealer

Previously we had sealed our Cambara Decking with Penofin. After only two years the sealer dissappeared to the point where I deck looks aweful. As you can see in the adjacent photo the beautiful natural red color of our Cambara Decking had faded and been taken over with mold and fungus.

To say I was eager to try a new deck sealer was an understatement. I was seriously considering removing the Cambara Decking and replacing it with a composite material. I’m fairly sure I’ve changed my mind now that I’ve seen what One TIME Wood Protector can do.

Surface Preparation for One TIME®

It’s extremely important that you follow the manufactures preparation instructions carefully before applying any deck sealer. One TIME is no different and it requires several steps especially if you’ve previously sealed your deck with another product like we had on our deck.

Other wood protection products must be removed before applying One TIME®. Bond Distributing recommends using a quality stain and sealer remover like One TIME® Stain and Sealer Remover to remove most treatment products (not recommended for acrylic coatings). Thoroughly rinse and allow wood to dry for 48 hours before applying One TIME®.

Additional Surface Preparation

In addition to the One TIME Stain and Sealer Remover I added two additional steps to ensure a long lasting seal. First I pressure washed the deck to remove the layer of mold and fungus that had taken over our deck. Pressure washing is a great way to remove dirt, grime and mold from decks. Secondly I sanded the deck with a belt sander. I did this for two reasons, first I wanted the decking to be smoother and secondly I felt it would help remove any remaining existing sealer.

One TIME Challenge Results

As they say pictures speak a thousand words and this is no exception. Our Cambara Decking has NEVER looked as nice as it does now. I am extremely pleased with the look at color (we chose the Red Cedar color) because of the natural red colors in Cambara.

One TIME goes on very easy with a brush and roller (the manufacturer says you can also spray it) and seemed to cover as well or better than standard stains. I was able to stain a 300 square foot deck in about an hour including cutting in along the house and railings.

I suppose the true test will be after several harsh winters here in the northeast. If One TIME manages to last several years I’ll be a true believer. I will say I’m excited about this product because it’s a completely different type of product. The fact that One TIME is made of 100 solids which react with the wood cell structure due to sun light gives me hope that it will outlast traditional sealers.

Overall Impression

One TIME costs about twice what conventional sealers cost per gallon. However, most conventional sealers need to be applied to decks yearly to protect your decking. If you get just 3 or 4 years out of the 7 promised by One TIME then you’ll be ahead of the game.

One TIME is really easy to use and the results are what sold me. The color and evenness of One TIME is great. I can’t tell you how many bad deck sealing jobs I’ve seen where overlapping brush marks show up. One TIME does not do that which impressed me greatly.

If you’re looking for a better way to seal your decks then I suggest you to take the One TIME challenge.

Where To Buy One TIME

If you’re interested in trying One TIME then now is a great time. If you purchase One TIME between now and October 18 2009 you can get a 10% discount by using the discount code: One TIME when you order One TIME online.

Todd Fratzel

I'm full time builder for a large construction company in New Hampshire. I run their design-build division that specializes in custom homes, commercial design-build projects and sub-divisions. I'm also a licensed civil and structural engineer with extensive experience in civil and structural design and home construction. My hope is that I can share my experience in the home construction, home improvement and home renovation profession with other builders and home owners. I'm also the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Tool Box Buzz. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, suggestions or you'd like to inquire about advertising on this site.

View Comments

  • Hello Todd,

    I believe when this article was written around 2009, by your where to buy section. I am wondering since it is now 2017 how this product has held up, color, protection, your satisfaction? I am also located in the northeast, Buffalo NY.

    Thank you in advance,
    Daryll

    • Daryll - It lasted pretty good, the decks now need to be done over again but I haven't had a chance to do them yet. I'd say it lasted longer than traditional finishes, but it's not going to last forever.

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