FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Another deck cleaning question

goldhiller | Posted in General Discussion on May 18, 2003 05:46am

I have as yet to try the Biowash that ProDek has referred to in the “mildewy deck” post as well as in previous related threads. Not wanting to hijack that thread, here’s the question….

Will it return/reveal fairly new wood to its “original” color, i.e., the green to PT SYP……or is there a bleaching effect that’s apt to leave it lighter in color? (Yes, I well realize there’s a patina factor and no product can draw color up into that layer, however this decks still shows definite green color when wet)

I’ve got a guy here who, believe it or not, wants the now 7 year old, approx. 450 sq.ft. deck we built for him returned to “that green” from the cleaning process rather than staining it to a more pleasing color after the cleaning is performed. I’ve tried to explain the situation to him, but he never seems to have his ears turned on. Is this a local phenomenon?

Frankly, I think it’s cause he’s too lazy to do the job himself and too cheap to purchase and pay for the application of the extra materials involved in staining it. Besides, he wouldn’t have somebody else to whine at from his chaise lounge(complete with cocktail and cigar)if he did it himself.

Attacking the deck with a powerwasher to remove a thin layer and ending up with a really uniform color throughout each and every board frequently seems like an excercise in futility and……….it’s very time consuming to make the attempt. I can hear his whining now.

Does anybody make a green PT stain in case we should need it?

Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.
Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Warren | May 18, 2003 06:07pm | #1

    I agree that returning this deck by  powerwashing/ bleaching to its original pressure-treated green in an exercise in futility. Green can be achieved by use of turpentine thinned, boiled linseed oil and a dab of green roof paint...experiment around, but say an ounce to 5 gallons of mixture of 1/4 turpentine to 3/4  boiled linseed oil. Practice on scraps to get color close, then Have the customer sign that this is an approximation of the end result, subject to "his boards" being similar in absorbency to the experiments shown to him. 

    Are you sure you want to deal with a customer who may not be happy with anything you do for him?  I definitely would add money to pay for aspirin, pain & suffering, attorneys fees, and lots of liability insurance before I"d tackle a customer like this.

    Warning, linseed oil and rags need to be dried in the air before being discarded as that has caused fires do to spontaneous combustion.

    Warning, "IF YOU WOULDN'T DO BUSINESS WITH SOMEONE ON A HAND SHAKE. NO CONTRACT WILL PROTECT YOU. SO DON'T DO BUSINESS WITH THEM A'TAL"

    1. User avater
      goldhiller | May 18, 2003 06:31pm | #2

      Thanks for the response and the suggestions about making the stain. I've got a large selection of universal pigment based colorants in the shop as well.

      Actually, I've known this guy for about 15 years and he won't fail to pay the bill in the end.......... he'll just softly whine all the way through the process. Like I said, we built the deck for him. He lives around the corner here and down about 1/4 mile. He and his wife have always had unlimited resources willingly and freely spent on expensive toys and leisure stuff, but look out if there's an expense of obvious necessity or practicality. That sort of thing interferes with the toy budget, don't cha know. A fella could easily get his fingers cut clean off if you're not fast enough when the drawstrings on the purse snap shut. Seems to be alot of folks like that around. :-)

      Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.

      1. Piffin | May 18, 2003 06:58pm | #3

        I get a lot of the demanding, hard to please customers that nobody else wants. But when you satisfy one of them, they have an abundance of high paying references for you..

        Excellence is its own reward!

        1. User avater
          goldhiller | May 18, 2003 09:22pm | #4

          Yes sir, that would pretty much describe our clientele also for the last twenty years. And the fact is that I love these demanding clients because there are really very few guys around here who can answer the call and the bulk of those demanding folks sooner or later are dialing this phone. No ads, just word of mouth referrals.

          Ah, but "satisfying" them all isn't always as easy as it appears on the surface. If they're demanding of quality and/or have refined tastes, no problemo. But if they want it or think they're going to get it for less than it's worth or for free, we've got a problem brewing. Time to part company before real trouble arises. Thankfully, there's only been a couple of those in the last ten years.

          This guy with the deck isn't really trouble, he just doesn't feel truly fulfilled unless he's gotten his quota of childish whining done. He'll write the check and then we'll toss back a couple of beers as we either sit on the deck or stroll around as he shows me all his new toys. (Just bought a new Airstream which is towed by a 2002 Chevy PU........He's currently trying to figure out how to take the brand new Goldwing along when they go to the vacation property they bought, 6 hours north of here, two years ago.

          Mind you, I've always done more than my fair share of charity work pro-bono for the needy around here, but I'll no longer work for less than what something is worth for those who aren't needy by any stretch. The former is good for the soul while the latter is bad for the soul.......me thinks.

          Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.

          1. Piffin | May 18, 2003 11:40pm | #5

            This is where psychology comes in and the 'excitement level ' rises.

            Discerning between the troublemakers and the ones who only need a hand in theirs or a listening ear like the bartender does to earn his tips and make the clients feel at home..

            Excellence is its own reward!

          2. Piffin | May 18, 2003 11:52pm | #6

            I've been thinking that the real reply comes from educating your customer on this one. From your writings here, I know you can do it.

            expl;ain that the colour he desires in its original form is a toxic material that is locked into the wood by the proicess at the dip tank, under pressure. Say that you can buy some Osmose preservative to paint on the surface that will make it quite green but that it is a poiuson and the label recommends that it only be used sub-grade and where it will not be in contact with humans. Tell him that he will need to ignore the danger to human life he is requesting and that youy will need to do it under cover of darkness, while wearing a Ninja getup. Be sure he understands that the risks involved in dealing with the enviro-####'s will be worth three times as much money and that a Mafia-like team of Texans will race a stampede of Longhorns through his house if anyone finds out that you had you do this job...

            Then offer him the alterantive of a stain applied that might wear off every year.

            there is a copper fungicide available for fruit trees that will tint things green when used high strenghth too, but it would also need yearly application and Be somewhat risky.

            Have fun..

            Excellence is its own reward!

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Vintage Sash Windows Get an Energy-Efficient Upgrade

Low-e storm panels improve the energy efficiency of these old sash windows without changing their classic look.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Old House Air-Sealing Basics
  • A Drip-Free, Through-Window Heat Pump
  • Insulation for Homes in the Wildland Urban Interface
  • An Impressive Air-to-Water Heat Pump

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Old House Journal – August 2025
    • Designing the Perfect Garden Gate
    • Old House Air-Sealing Basics
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data