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What's everyone using these days? I have the usual, build up of dirt and some areas with mold. We got it semi cleaned up using a 1400 psi power washer with a 40 degree nozzle. Don't want to hurt the wood. That got a lot up, but clearly I need a cleaner. And soon, a sealer. I'd prefer semi transparent. It seems they last 2 years where opaque lasts 3. The wood still looks pretty good so I'd rather save opaque until much later in the wood's life. If I remember correctly, the deck builder used a Cabot semi transparent coating. That was probably 8 or so years ago.
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space-time wrote:
[quote=Pam]
What's everyone using these days? ...
"everyone" uses the cheapest, lowest quality product they find at walmart. You want something of higher quality, therefore, I would not use what "everyone" is using these days.
But people here aren't "everyone"
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The Cabot should be a good choice. It is sold at HD, at least one of the Cabot line is.
I have used Flood products in the past and was happy with them, but it has been a few years since I stained a deck
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Whippet, Whippet Good
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Zep deck cleaner in the power washer. Love that stuff on decks and wood siding.
Can't recommend a modern sealer. Been too long since I've sealed a deck.
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Hi Pam..
don't use a deck cleaner.
What kind of wood?
Size of deck?
Is it a Sunny deck?
After 8 years...
I would suggest that you go to your local tool rental and rent a 12 x 16 or thereabouts, orbital sander..it'll save you a lot of unknowns..most of these 'washing' agents are harmful and really not what you want to do with wood...
Dry the deck out and sand it..find a good clearish coating..the darker the better because, as you noticed, the ones with pigment offer a 'bit' more longevity and certainly more protection..pigment is the protector..not the plasticized coating..gone are the days of real, slow drying and longer lasting, oil based products..the stuff you get these days is basically plastic that dries so fast that it never, ever, gets a chance to bond properly..
These sanders are easy to operate once you get the hang of it and they do a great job...any detailing can be done with hand tool..a random orbital sander..
The greater goal here is to completely remove that 8 year old finish..Even in a 2 year cycle for avid maintenance of a deck..it's best to sand..be a rebel..dont fall for this power wash /power wash with cleanser thing..and don't forget to sand in the cracks like your Aunty told you..
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Kraniac wrote:
Hi Pam..
don't use a deck cleaner.
What kind of wood?
Size of deck?
Is it a Sunny deck?
After 8 years...
I would suggest that you go to your local tool rental and rent a 12 x 16 or thereabouts, orbital sander..it'll save you a lot of unknowns..most of these 'washing' agents are harmful and really not what you want to do with wood...
Dry the deck out and sand it..find a good clearish coating..the darker the better because, as you noticed, the ones with pigment offer a 'bit' more longevity and certainly more protection..pigment is the protector..not the plasticized coating..gone are the days of real, slow drying and longer lasting, oil based products..the stuff you get these days is basically plastic that dries so fast that it never, ever, gets a chance to bond properly..
These sanders are easy to operate once you get the hang of it and they do a great job...any detailing can be done with hand tool..a random orbital sander..
The greater goal here is to completely remove that 8 year old finish..Even in a 2 year cycle for avid maintenance of a deck..it's best to sand..be a rebel..dont fall for this power wash /power wash with cleanser thing..and don't forget to sand in the cracks like your Aunty told you..
I have two decks. Both are large, pressure treated lumber. Nothing fancy. The upper deck receives a lot of sun. A third of the lower deck sees a lot of sun. No doubt sanding would be best. That's not too bad on the large horizontal surfaces. The vertical part of the railings would be a pita.
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Sanding pressure treated pine is a really good way to die. I cannot believe anyone would be so stupid to even try.
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PeterW wrote:
Sanding pressure treated pine is a really good way to die. I cannot believe anyone would be so stupid to even try.
It's perfectly fine..wear a good quality dust mask as you should with all wood..being outside helps too..It's done all the time by stupid people like me and many others all over who want to do the job properly.
