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Particulate- Particulate
matter comes in many forms such as dirt, soot, pollen,
and food. These organic particulates provide nutrients
for microbial growth and accelerate wood deterioration.
Inorganic stains may result from
iron in nails or other hardware darkening the surface.
Lime found in mortar mixes may leach from adjacent brick
or stonework and coat the deck surface causing a variety
of staining.
Extractive Bleeding- Extractives
include tannins and other polyphenolics, colourings
oils, resins, gums, etc. They contribute to such properties
as colour, odor, decay, and flammability. Water soluble
extractives will cause stain discolouration. Non-water
soluble extractives such as pitch and resin may bleed
through the surface and harden there when the solvent
evaporates.
How do deck cleaners
work?
Phosphoric Acid- The active ingredient
in PENOFIN's WEATHERBLASTERÆ effectively removes the
gray of aged tannins on unfinished decks without sanding.
It is completely environmentally sound.
Bleach- Effective on
mildew. Kills spores and removes stains. Use solution
of 1/2 water and 1/2 bleach. Agitate with a non metallic
brush and rinse off thoroughly after adequate time to
remove the problem.
Oxalic Acid- This is
a particularly good product for removing tannin and
rust stains. This product is used primarily on redwood,
however, it is not particularly effective on mildew
and dirt.
Oxalic Acid is a poison. It carries the warning
"Harmful or Fatal if Swallowed "
FBÆSodium Percarbonate Oxygen
Bleach - This is an active oxidizer in a number
of wood deck bleaches. Follow manufacturer's recommendations.
Sodium percarbonate is environmentally sound. Percarbonate
is ideal for bleaching and cleaning wood surfaces. (Do
not use Sodium percarbonate on unaged redwood.)
Trisodium Phosphate- TSP
may be purchased at your local hardware store. Mix one
cup of TSP to one gallon of water. Scrub deck with a
bristle brush and rinse with cold water. Remove stains
from redwood with oxalic acid. Remove stains or discolouration
from other woods with sodium percarbonate products.
Pressure Spraying - Power washing is
used widely by professional applicators and should be
left to the professionals. Properly performed, there
are several advantages to power washing including saving
of time and labor. The whole idea of power washing is
that water under high pressure will strip off the outer
dead cellular layers along with particulate and microorganisms.
After power washing you may need to countersink the
exposed nailheads. (For softer woods, pressures of 1,000
to 1,200 psi should not be exceeded.)
Sanding- Occasionally
sanding may be necessary. For best results, sand smooth
surfaces with a 10,000 r.p.m. orbital sander. Start
with a 40 to 80 grit sand paper and finish with a 100
to 140 grit paper. Sanding should not be performed on
rough sawn wood.
Follow all label instructions
carefully.
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Sunlight- Ultraviolet radiation breaks
down the cellular structure resulting in a "graying
effect".