Cleaning/Prepping a Deck before stain?

[maverickfhs]

So I have a small deck which I am planning to stain: https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/4330154#Post4330154

I have read everywhere prepping is the key for stain to last a bit. I am planning to use pressure wash, along with some elbow grease.

Question is, do you guys have any proven techniques or methods which you use to prep your deck? If so, please share. Thanks for the help.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

I used an acid wash (armor all) with a bit of wet broom brushing and a hose rinse.

I wouldn't hit wood hard with pressure washer.

How heavy a stain? semi solid.

Ill never paint anything again outside. At least stain chalks off, no peeling no scraping ever a again.

Had good luck with Olympus. Used to use Cabot at twice the price with no benefit.

I stain the logs on my log cabin. I would leave the wood natural and just oil it. Don't want stain chalking off on your pants or socks or feet - yes it will!

Going oil only will be a bi-annual process though. But Stain pigment may only give you 3 years at best.

 

[nthach]

When my dad managed to slop on Thompson's Water Seal all over some decent Cabot stain I applied a few years ago, me and him used ammonia to soften up and clean off the paraffin residue, followed by the pressure washer and then I used Behr's wood prep(green label). Let it dry for a few days and I applied on Behr's "premium" latex stain with a brush.

Except for a small spot that probably still has wax contamination(which I can address with a sander and Prep-Sol), it's still holding up after 3 years.

 

[SatinSilver]

Can you post some pictures of the deck? If the edges have started to raise a little bit it may need some sanding. There's a ton of youtube videos on this topic that are pretty good.

 

[maverickfhs]

Thanks, I am planning to use this one in Cedar or Redwood for better UV protection:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Flood-CWF-UV-1-gal-Cedar-Wood-Finish-FLD-420-01/202188557

No PAINT for the deck, cleaning that thing can be a royal pain.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Latex stain sounds like an oxymoron.

No way!

 

[maverickfhs]

Originally Posted By: SatinSilver
Can you post some pictures of the deck? If the edges have started to raise a little bit it may need some sanding. There's a ton of youtube videos on this topic that are pretty good.


Here's the picture:



Thanks for all the help.

 

[sleddriver]

I watched an episode on deck refinishing at Ask This Old House awhile back. You can search through all their videos on their site. Good info there.

 

[nthach]

I see algae - some off the shelf deck/house cleaners have bleach or sodium percarbonate(oxygen bleach or OxyClean) in them but there's debate. I think it won't harm the wood as long as it's completely rinsed clean. The Behr stuff I used was oxalic acid and surfactants. Some painters consider a pressure blast good.

If you want to concoct your own cleaner, you can mix bleach and TSP at a ratio of 1:1(cups) in a bucket full of water - I lifted that off a PDF.

 

[maverickfhs]

There's algae and mildew, some nails need to be put back in. I am planning to make this brew, as suggested by someone:

Just keep it simple, 1 part bleach to 8 parts water and a squrit of dishwashing soap mixed together outside. Scrub then power wash off. Don't use any amonia, it produces a real toxic gas when mixed with bleach, keep it simple like I've been saying. Luck with it

Plan to first scrub it off well with a brush and then power wash it. Then let the deck sit for a week or 2 weeks and then stain it. I might sand it before stand, but will depend on the outcome.

 

[Elevguy]

Use regular bleach it will get rid of the moss a mildew

 

[SatinSilver]

From This Old House:

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/refresh-your-deck

 

[maverickfhs]

Originally Posted By: SatinSilver
From This Old House:

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/refresh-your-deck


Thanks guys, I appreciate it!!!

 

[sleddriver]

Here's the episode I referred to earlier:
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-clean-and-restain-deck

More info here: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/site-search?keyword=deck stain

 

[maverickfhs]

Originally Posted By: sleddriver
Here's the episode I referred to earlier:
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-clean-and-restain-deck

More info here: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/site-search?keyword=deck stain


Thanks, any idea where I can get this Borate and other deck cleaners? HD or Lowe's?

 

[SatinSilver]

I like HD better since they have a decent auto section compared to Lowes that has a crummy one. And I'm not picky about auto sections in stores. Even Dollar General has an ok one compared to Lowes.

 

[sleddriver]

Originally Posted By: maverickfhs
Originally Posted By: sleddriver
Here's the episode I referred to earlier:
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-clean-and-restain-deck

More info here: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/site-search?keyword=deck stain


Thanks, any idea where I can get this Borate and other deck cleaners? HD or Lowe's?
You'll have to figure that out for your area. Borate is very common and cheap. I know multiple sources where I live, but how would I know where you could get it where you live? After all, I'm in Tx. You're in VA.

Time to start working the phone as the 'net isn't too useful for local sources I've found.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Never mix bleach and detergent.

Cancel each other. I think you might get oil drop out and salt from the reaction.

Ask Molekule