Cleaning/Restoring original look of Ext. Cedar shingles
Would like some suggestions on a cleaner or a recipe for a mixture to use on cedar shingles which are currently brown, grey and black from weathering.
The shingles will be sray finished with a clear sealer in which I would like a product recomendation for also.
I haven’t done one of these in many years. The routine back then was a cleaner mixture of clorox and water etc… and then a wet on wet coat(s) with CWF. I’ve heard over the years that CWF is not the product of choice, but can’t remember the reason for this.
I imagine there must be a premade solution sold over the counter these days for the cleaner that would be easier and more effective than the clorox mix. Also, the houses I used them on where on the ocean where there was no worry of killing everything planted below with the clorox.
One other note, a portion of the shingles are located at the entrance to the house, which is a covered front patio with a concrete base. The shingles being washed down here will obviously soak the concrete. I was wondering if this would in any way effect the concrete and perhaps leave any unwanted stains or marks on the concrete from the cleaning solution. Just trying to think ahead.
Appreciate any input on this from the Pros in this field, since the product(s) end of this job is not my area of expertise, and all to often the guy behind the counter in the paint store these days was selling pizza last week and just reads the back of the can when asked for specifics. Thanks.
MicK
Replies
Some cleaners contain oxalic acid (which is sometimes referred to a "wood bleach"). This is more effective than chlorine bleach and less damaging to plantings. Do keep it away from any anodized aluminum, though.
I don't believe it's damaging to concrete if rinsed off reasonably soon, and it may actually remove some rust stains from the concrete.
Be aware that any cleaner that's reasonably effective for removing the discoloration will remove some of the wood with it.
Dan,
Do you have any names of these "oxalic" cleaners or info on where to find any of them. Any suggestions on clear sealers?
Have you personally used the oxalic acid cleaners?
I've used Dekswood in the past, which I think was a Flood product, but it was sold as more of a deck cleaner (which is what I used it for). But that was over ten years ago.
Anybody out there????????
What am I? Chopped liver??
...
A problem you will have is that these products work best if you scrub them in and let them perc for a few minutes. But I assume that this is siding or a roof where it will be harder to scrub than a deck, and the product won't sit for long.
I use an Armoral deck was product that is concentrated so you mix it down with water to the strength you want. Then rinse it away with a pressure jet.
to protect concrete or vegetations under the work, just wet them down first, then rinse them right away while you wait for the percolation to have its way with the cedar.
I have seen similar products advertised as fence wash so maybe they have some way of resiting the effects of gravity
Yes, it is siding and won't lay to long before running off. Do you think a straight mix of water with clorox in it is a bad idea. I used to do that, but wasn't educated on the process back then. Come to think of it........I'm still not educated on the process :)
Wher do you purchase the Amoral?
got the armoral product at the local hardware/paint store.
The percolate products are designed to cling a bit more. They foam and bubble up - and you can picture how soap suds will cling to a sidewall better than plain liguid will, so these would work better than just clorox and watrer, esp if you find one labeled for fences and siding as apposed to a deck/siding wash.
Check out this site. They carry a variety of brands and have good info. I've been using Defy products for some time. I use their oxygen bleach, followed by their wood brightener and then use their clear on cedar shingles with excellent results.
http://www.opwdecks.com/
Will check it out Hammer, thanks.