Decking.

[MyLlamasGoneBananas]

We've recently moved onto a house with a large area of decking taking over a big section of the garden.
It's all linked together but in 3 different sections/tiers. It's a north facing garden. Its all rather shabby and long term will need taking out and replacing with something but for now we are on a bit of a tight budget having just moved and would like to preserve it the best we can for at least this summer but hopefully next year too whilst we save.
It had been painted the darkest brown but was peeling and patchy. It was slippy and looked awful before. We have jet washed away the algae (was like an icerink) and slime and most of what was left of the old paint. We have also used a decking cleaner. Its looking quite clean and bare now. The wood looks fairly dry and rather absorbant now though.
We have tried some testers and bought some Cuprinol Decking Paint/treatment in a fairly dark colour to hopefully give an even coverage.
My questions are do we just whack the deck paint on? Or does it need a primer first? If so can anyone recommend a decking primer?
I've seen decking oil in the shops but think this must be for new or previously unpainted decking? Or do I need to oil them before painting?
Am totally clueless. There's no way we can have our decking looking 'natural' it's had a hard life by the looks of it but we want to do what we can to make it last long enough whilst we save for its replacement in a year or 2 and have it looking fairly decent over the summer.
Decking experts please share your advice.

[echt]

The Cuprinol should tell you what needs to be done on the tin.

I live in Au and we only use decking oil. The surface has to be clean, and several coats may be needed to get the water-repelling effect you want.

The slippery bit is a mystery to me, unless it's moss/algae related. Our decks have never been slippery, though they don't get algae/moss. This is not because it's always sunny here; we get enough of it on trees and the carport roof.

[MyLlamasGoneBananas]

I don't think the previous owners ever did anything maintenance wise around the house a awoke so I imagine the same applies to the garden. I suspect they had decking put in X years ago and gave never given a thought to caring for it in any way.
Cuprinol says to just slap it on!!

[MrsJamin]

If you can replace it, we have composite decking which is just wonderful, it's a mixture of wood and plastics, dries really quickly, doesn't warp, doesn't get slippy. Like it a lot.

[specialsubject]

Decking may work in oz but is daft in the UK climate, especially in a low sun garden. The problems the OP is getting are to be expected.

Slap on the cheapest wood product you can get, and save your money to rip it up. Chicken wire on it will make it less lethal in the wet.

[Millipedewithherfeetup]

www.wood-finishes-direct.com/product/cuprinol-anti-slip-decking-stain?gclid=CjwKEAjw86e4BRCnzuWGlpjLoUcSJACaHG5574ztbbSZW4bsWx2sPa1Lzzjefko3JpaC8uEoNDtfDBoCxd7w_wcBust seen that you can buy anti slip decking paint ! Im going to give this a try !

[MyLlamasGoneBananas]

Thanks for the replies. Yep I think we'll have to re plan what happens in the garden long term.
Great idea about the chicken wire.

The cuprinol anti slip is what we're going to use if it ever stops raining this week.

[MyLlamasGoneBananas]

Mrs Jamie - do you have composite decking? I've had a quick look and it's pricey but lasts 25years plus apparently with no maintenance. Are you happy with it?

[champagneplanet]

Just chuck it on it'll be fine. Jeyes fluid is good for getting rid of the slippyness in the future.

[MrsJamin]

Yes it's lovely! We don't have a huge deck because it is more expensive but it will last a long time. DH put it up last year when we had an extension and bifolds. Went out there all weathers this winter and it wasn't slippy at all. Would totally recommend it.