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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.
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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. |
