Replies

1. 
   DANL | Apr 09, 2005 10:49pm | #1

   There are "deck brighteners" that could be rolled or painetd on and then hosed or power washed off. Most are fairly caustic, so I'd protect anything that will be hit by the "runoff". I sanded a deck before staining it once with a belt sander and pretty course--like 50-80 grit--belts. Try to use a nailset to get any protruding nails below the surface--they wreak havoc with the belts! I was surprised at how fast it went; the deck I was doing had several levels and all together probably had the square footage of many small houses.

   I think someone here mentioned that many deck brighteners are oxalic acid, again not something to take lightly. Protect nearby surfaces, but mainly protect yourself!

1. 
   pamilyn | Apr 09, 2005 11:57pm | #2

   I think I need deck cleaner. What is Oaxalic Acid. Sounds nasty. Pamilyn

1. 
   DANL | Apr 10, 2005 03:59am | #6

   Sounds like those who said to use the power washer alone have the right idea. Oxalic acid is oftentimes used to bleach wood. It usually is white crystals in a can and you mix the crystals in water. But shouldn't breathe it or get in on your skin (nor should you eat or drink it. Incidentally, rhubarb leaves have it, so you shouldn't eat rhubarb leaves).

1. 
   BillHartmann | Apr 12, 2005 11:51pm | #8

   Oxalic acid is the base in some of the deckbrighners. But others have oygen bleaches.But packged products that I have use they are relatively safe when use according to directions.And less danger from chewing the wood.

1. 
   DANL | Apr 13, 2005 02:20am | #9

   I just remember some product a customer gave me to use to remove stain on her wood siding--horrible stuff; was basically drain cleaner (sodium hydroxide) and burned my arms and face where it splattered. (I had jsut looked at the label that said "harmles to the environment" and figured it was okay. Stupid on my part; once I read what was in it, I knew I shouldn't get it on my skin.) Second day I used it I covered up real well.

2. 
   UBuildIt | Apr 10, 2005 12:16am | #3

   We've got a 1,200 sq deck.......it is rainy up here, so it takes a power washing at least once a year if not twice. You can put chemicals on, but they kill all your plant and stay in the soil. A straight power wash usually does us just fine! We are careful to only set the pwasher barely as strong as it needs to go....remember you are peeling away a little wood every time you pwash. If you aren't careful, you can put big 'old divets in the wood!

   -c

    

   Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. ~ Rumi

3. 
   Stuart | Apr 10, 2005 12:46am | #4

   I'd say try just the pressure washer first and see how it works.  I have one of those little ones like they sell at Home Depot and it cleans up my porch deck really well, I haven't seen a need for any heavy duty cleaners.

   Make sure you start out easy with the washer...they can blow holes in the wood Right Now.  Use a fan tip on the end of the wand, always keep it at an angle, and don't ever stop in one spot.  I found it works best to slowly move along the deck at a constant speed, holding the wand at the same height and same angle, doing one board at a time - if you just wave it back and forth you'll get a uneven or blotchy pattern on the wood.

4. 
   Jgriff | Apr 10, 2005 01:44am | #5

   Fine Homebuilding published a special issue entitled Projects Around The House for Spring 2005. It has a good article in it on the recommended method  of Revitalizing A Deck.

   You might want to read it before tackling the project. Perhaps your library has it if it subscribes to FH.  Even if it doesn't, it's worth the couple of $ to purchase the issue as it has a wealth of other information and articles.

   Good Luck.

   Griff

1. 
   pamilyn | Apr 12, 2005 11:30pm | #7

   Thanks, we went and got it yesterday. Great article. Thanks for your help. Pamilyn