| Proper cleaning and surface
preparation by either chemical or mechanical means is essential
to the successful restoration of a cedar deck. Negligence in
removing dirt, mildew, algae, stains and weathered residues
will lead to an unsightly deck and early failure of subsequently
applied coatings.
Deck surfaces should be refinished when the cedar starts
to lose its color. The new finish needs to absorb into the
wood. Finishing too soon leads to inadequate absorption. Finishing
too late leads to excessive degradation of the wood surface.
Commercially available deck cleaners and restorers generally
fall into three categories: paint strippers, bleaches, and
oxalic acid-based formulas. These products contain hazardous
ingredients and should be used with caution.
Paint Strippers
Paint strippers will also remove oil-based stains and latex
stains. Most are supplied as ready-to-use liquids. After use,
residual stripper should be thoroughly rinsed from the wood
surface before any other coating is applied.
Bleaches
Bleaches are effective in counteracting mildew but do
little to remove dirt or other surface deposits. Aggressive
scrubbing with caustic cleaners such as bleach will remove
surface wood fibers and result in the wood having a rough,
unnatural whitish tone.
Oxalic Acid-Based Products
Oxalic acid-based products remove extractives bleed and
iron stains but are not effective against mildew. After application
of these products the deck should be thoroughly washed with
clean water and allowed to dry completely before finishing.
|
This tri-level cedar deck exposed to the
marine environment has been left to weather to the sea-bleached
color of driftwood.
Sunset casts a golden glow, highlighting
the warm tones of the semi-transparent stain used on this custom-crafted
deck. |
