Deck Doctor

 

How do I protect a deck?  Answer 6

 

TWO EASY STEPS TO BEAUTIFUL DECK PROTECTION

Step One. Clean & Restore.

Surface preparation — especially on older, weathered wood — is critical to a professional-looking finish and long-term durabilityand it won't harm plants, shrubs, lawns, or pets.

Step Two. Protect & Beautify.

Once you've prepared your wood, it's time to personalize your deck with the look that's just right for you.

http://www.ppg.com/ppgaf/olympic/d2steps.htm

 

Surface Preparation

￭ Cover and / or hose down all surrounding landscaping -- grass, plants and vegetation -- before and after using a wood cleaner or stain-stripping product.

￭ Do not use chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) alone to clean / restore outdoor wood. It will interfere with a coating’s adhesion and penetration, and will not completely remove ground-in dirt or the weathered gray surface fibers that make the surface look aged and soiled. Products specifically formulated to a) loosen and lift degraded surface fibers and other surface contaminates, and b) remove stains from wood extractives and fungal growth are recommended for optimal surface restoration.

￭ Dark stains found on Cedar and Redwood surfaces are most often the result of tannin bleeding, which can be remedied. Tannin is just one type of organic material that occurs naturally in decay-resistant species, and can be extracted to the surface by certain solvents, including water. Because tannin is water-soluble, mild discoloration can often be removed with detergent and water. Stubborn tannin stains can be removed with an oxalic acid-based wood cleaner.

￭ ALWAYS perform a "Splash Test" before applying a new coating or a maintenance re-coat. Splash water on several sections of your wood structure, and observe if the water is absorbed. If the water beads or is not absorbed within 15 minutes, the surface will not absorb a coating properly. Use a wood cleaner / restorer to remove the repellency or allow the wood to weather for several weeks, test again. Cleaning or weathering will allow the wood pores to open and better absorb the coating.

http://www.wolman.com/tips.asp

 

 

 

 

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