Deck with dark red stain

[Fibercare]

I was going to powerwash a freind of mines deck but not sure how to go about it without damaging the wood. The deck has been previously stained a dark red but he wants it washed off and just water proofed with clear stain. Is it possible to get rid off the old color without destroying the deck. Do you use chemicals? What Kind? How much? Any help is appriciated.

 

[Aplus]

Try using the search function of this board and you will find all your answers.

 

[blackcat]

if i had your email address i might be able to help, i'm not sure i can name products on board.

 

[reedsterstl]

I was going to powerwash a freind of mines deck but not sure how to go about it without damaging the wood. The deck has been previously stained a dark red but he wants it washed off and just water proofed with clear stain. Is it possible to get rid off the old color without destroying the deck. Do you use chemicals? What Kind? How much? Any help is appriciated.

I will attempt to start you off. You must use a chemical stripper such as HD80, F18, Timberstrip, Remove, and there are others. All of these can be mixed to remove the stain. Then you HAVE to neutralize with either Oxallic or Citallic brightner/neutralizer. The key to remember here is chems clean and strip and Water rinses. Let the chems do the work.

reed

 

[blackcat]

use a chemical stripper(deckstrip) follow directions
after the surface has dried, perform a splash test, if water beads or puddles
longer then 10 mins, scrub with a brush and deck brightener and test again.
if not, just apply your finish of choice, water base same day if deck is dry to touch, oil base wait 24 hrs. Hope this helps [hello]

 

[beatle]

When you say oxallic or citallic brightner are referring to a product such as Wolman's Deck bright or Deck and Fence or something completely different?

 

[reedsterstl]

When you say oxallic or citallic brightner are referring to a product such as Wolman's Deck bright or Deck and Fence or something completely different?

Cleaners and Strippers are alkaline based, this will raise the pH of wood. Brightener/Neutralizer are acidic based, so by applying this after stripping, you are striving for a neutral pH.

Wolman's Deck bright has oxallic in it, but also has a little soap. I use an oxallic blend, not pure oxallic but has other ingredients in it to help kling to verticle surfaces. Oxallic and Citrallic I am referring to are not obtainable from the box stores. You must purchase them from chem suppliers that have chems for the professional washer.

Oil based stains must be at least 12 percent moisture or less in order for the stains to perform as they should. If you do not have a moisture meter, I would suggest getting one. Low humidity and sun will get you to a moisture content in about 48 hours to be on the safe side, maybe a little less depending on the amount of direct sun. Take the guess work out and get the meter.

reed

 

[5 Star Johnny]

Once you've decided on a stripper.....TEST, TEST, TEST before you start this project. Test in the most shaded area first, and on a spindle or two. My experience with red stains is that there is almost always remnant color left around the knots, end boards & other areas. Depending on how many coats of finish, or what type, you may have an issue. The customer better know this or they may be quite unhappy with the results.

Good Luck!