
Also, the deck has a new addition with new wood which flows seamlessly from the old/existing deck, so does that portion need to be treated differently? Pre wet and rinse right away any over spray from prep products that get on the vinyl, Im confused when you say to rinse for 20 minutes. Not brightening right away could cause wood furring.
Do I still need to neutralize it first before using Arborcoat classic oil finish? It powers away even tough stains, and it doesnt harm painted decking. Or should I brighten, then sand and then stain? deck restore system cleaner Stripping the wood of an old transparent or semi-transparent stain is not that difficult, but it does depend on the finish and amount of previous coatings.

I dont want to damage my new boards. To my surprise, some products that I expected to do well failed to earn a space in this lineup.
Sand first and then brighten the wood. Where does standing fall into the steps? Has anyone used these solutions or know of another one? To be sure, I went back a few days later, after it had rained, and the foundation was still free of mold. Semi-transparent stains are best. I repeated the spraying, and the second time I brushed the area while it was wet before rinsing. If you want to sand, then sand either prior to cleaning or after cleaning but before the brightening. This nontoxic, concentrated liquid cleaner comes in a 1-gallon jug and, once diluted, safely and effectively treats up to 6,400 square feet of decking, masonry, siding, and many other exterior surfaces. Citra-Shielda product designed specifically to kill algaealso failed to make the cut. Stain strippers will not damage new wood. After letting the new portion of the deck weather, is it necessary to apply cleaner, then brightener? Should I clean and brighten the floor again before applying stain? Left untreated, these fungi will thrive and eventually destroy the woods cellular structure, leading to rot and decay. A pressure washer is a popular way to apply deck cleaner, but a pump sprayer or a hose-end sprayer can also be used, followed by scrubbing with a deck brush to remove stuck-on debris. Your prep looks good, you just have a little bit of fuzzies. And will this go away with the amstrong Clark transparent stain ? Thanks in advance! I've sanded and cleaned it with a solution of TSP and water. https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stain-combo-kits.html, https://www.restore-a-deck.com/RAD-Kits-Best-Prices.html, https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-hot-sun-application.html, https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html, Restore-A-Deck Stain for IPE & Exotic Hardwoods. A backyard deck is an extension of a homes living area, but a dirty surface can ruin the atmosphere. With the prep, yes.
Its been weathered for 4 months. We cleaned the deck with a stiff bristle brush and a deck cleaner last fall.
I finished sanding and cleaning my deck yesterday. Wood deck cleaners may be too harsh for composite decks, especially if they contain brightening ingredients that can strip the sheen and leave a dull, unattractive look. At the first sign of flat black or green mildew spots or grayish-white powdery mildew stains, look for a cleaner containing mildewcide (either premixed formula or as a liquid concentrate). In addition to cleaning decks, Karcher is suitable for other outdoor items, including concrete and siding. The brightener neutralizes a cleaner so it would be ineffective to combine them. Can we do it the next day or even a few days after removing all the stain? Brighten as soon as you are able.
The other reason if you leave caustics from the cleaner in the wood and not neutralize, you can have a negative reaction with the stain. Some deck cleaners contain ingredients that may negatively affect nearby plants and lawns. Do I need to apply a wood brightener after sanding? This multipurpose exterior cleaner contains powerful ingredients that break down and dissolve stains for a deep and thorough clean. After my test board was cleaned, I tried the solution on a concrete patio and some brick steps, and it made quick work of cleaning them as well. However, some contain ingredients that bond with the wood grain and leave behind a temporary film that discourages dust and dirt for a few weeks or months. Can we apply stain now in May, after the wood sat over the winter?
If no pressure washer is available, use a deck cleaner and scrub the wood manually with a deck brush. Or do I even need wood brightner if sanding? With the cleaner also? Using a pressure washer entails a few additional safety issues, as the intense pressure of the water leaving the nozzle can be strong enough to cut the skin on bare feet and legs and even remove chunks of soft deck wood. restorer cleaner colour wood
We are lucky to have 3 days without moisture of some sort. Today I had planned to get up and apply the brightener, but woke up with the flu. Composite deck cleaners are typically sprayed onto the deck, brushed with a soft deck brush, and rinsed with a garden hose. It will help to brighten the wood after sanding and rinse the wood as well to remove any sand dust. For those looking to clean and brighten a weathered wood deck before applying a fresh coat of deck stain, Defy Wood Brightener is a worthy option.
Consider Wet & Forget Outdoor Cleaner Concentrate. Most likely sanding of the deck will be needed. No, a brightener cannot even out uneven sanding. Neutralizes the cleaner or stripper. Simple Green cleaned them both, and I didnt have to worry about overspray hurting my ornamental plants or the lawn. some of it, I have long-board power sanded, one side, with 40 grit to remove the saw marks. Most folks opt to use a deck cleaner at the start of the summer to remove mildew and leaf decay stains and refresh the surface for the upcoming outdoor entertainment season. Yes, use both cleaner and brightener. no the product that this thread is about. You should redo the prep using both the RAD Cleaner and then the RAD Brightener. Composite decking is manufactured from wood byproducts and plastic to create an impermeable surface that resists rotting and decay. Then, per the manufacturers directions, I wet down one end of the painted board with water and poured on a small amount of Star britefull strength.
Just so I have an answer when my husband asks, and I know he willWhat is reasoning for waiting until the spring.
My wood grain has "furred" (as expected) after stripping. Using the brightener is the same days as the cleaner and does not add any days. I cleaned and brightened the untreated floor of my deck 2 weeks ago with good results. Get the Krud Kutter deck cleaner on Amazon or at Lowes. Smooth new wood that has mill glaze needs to season out in the open and be prepped with a cleaner and wood brightener.
What is the maximum number of days I have to apply brightener before I ought to start over again by reapplying the cleaner before I apply brightener, then stain?
Get the Simple Green deck cleaner on Amazon or at The Home Depot. So the question iswhen to apply the brightener? Also, I would like to skip the sanding, although I know some of the boards could be touched up. Our job is a very very large one and want to get it right.

The cleaning solution quickly removed the stains, and when the board dried, I couldnt see any trace of them. Although Star brite claims to be suitable for painted surfaces, I was concerned that it might strip the paint from a painted deck. You want a solid stain, not a paint for a deck.
Yep, it didn't dry.
This cleaner treats decks up to 1,000 square feet, and it removes light dirt, rust stains, and the dark tannin stains left behind by decaying leaves. The only way to bead water is to seal the surface completely by using a wax or silicone. Maybe I got a bad batch, but I had to eliminate the cleaner from this lineup.
Pre wet and rinse right away any over spray from prep products. If Ive followed all the proper prep to apply a transparent sealer or semi transparent sealer the first year, in the subsequent years can I just reapply the sealer or do I need to strip and brighten again? Thats why I set out to personally put a host of popular products through their paces. For those new to deck cleaning, a few questions are to be expected. Stain away after additional sweeping? i only have full sun on my deck. So for testing, rather than smear a board with grease and mud, I poured coffee on a new wood decking board, letting it soak in and dry. How can I correct this? I used the restore a deck cleaner and brightener yesterday but today y notice difference colors in my cedar deck, like darkened spots, its this normal ? Get the Oil Eater deck cleaner at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Tractor Supply Co. Try an oil based stain that is penetrating like the Armstrong Clark or the TWP Stains. Currently in the process of cleaning our new kiln dried cedar. Sand a deck to smooth out roughness before staining or sealing. Question: can i now stain (AC semi transparent) or is brightening recommended at this step prior to staining. While the mud came right off, the grease left a light glaze on the board, so I poured on a bit more of the solution and scrubbed lightly with a nylon bristle brush. Water-based stains will dry faster than oil-based. On another note, the only dark spots we see are from the shade from the cables. Thanks in Advance.
My question is does it help the new boards to sand in my case?
However, users should avoid cleaners that contain bleaching ingredients, as well as no-rinse deck cleaners that leave behind a film, as they may dull the surface. I decided to redo it with a deck paint instead of stain. Restore-A-Deck Cleaner and Brightener Kits!! Thanks. A 1-gallon jug cleans and treats a deck up to 1,000 square feet. So I applied the solution a second time, scrubbed it with a nylon-bristle brush, and gave it another 5 minutes. I've cleaned and then sanded (to level and get rid of gouges) a cedar deck with 80 grit. I cleaned my deck 4 weeks ago using "hit the deck" a pure oxygen cleaner to get rid of the grayness of my unstained deck caused by the sun. However, the solution also raised the wood grain slightlythough the reaction is typical for this type of product, it makes the surface of the wood slightly rough. These acidic conditions open up the wood pores so they are more accepting of wood stain. However, even though the sander would vibrate it wouldn't sand nor move an inch. As for when to stain after, that would depend on the stain you are using? It is not possible to have a combo deck cleaner and a wood brighener.
https://www.opwdecks.com/when-to-stain-a-new-deck.htm, No need to sand. My neighbor and I were both impressed, though we dont know yet how long the treatment will keep the mold at bay.
Subscribe for Product Tips, Info and Periodic Coupons! As soon as possible after stripping for best results. It can be beneficial to have a stain that does not dry too fast.
Later that afternoon I returned and found the previously mold-darkened areas to look light and powdery.
We live in South Texas.
I waited 5 minutes as instructed and rinsed off the solution before letting the board dry. Typically a deck needs cleaned and retreated every year or two. Get the Star brite deck cleaner at Amazon, Walmart, or Sears. Wood Stains should be "shiny" like my hardwood floor. At best all you will get is product replacement.7. Big Box Stores sell the best products. A small number of deck cleaners not only remove stains, grease, and dirt but also act as a water repellent that offers a modicum of weather resistance to the deck, similar to how an automatic car wash leaves a film on a vehicles surface that temporarily sheds water. Please enable the javascript to submit this form. Theyre well suited for use before staining because they help lighten darker areas, which makes the color of the finished deck more uniform. We only use the place now in 7-10 day intervals, which really makes things much harder. I went back 10 days later, and I still noticed no improvement. Semi-Transparent 5 Gallons and Prepping Kits, Subscribe here for all follow-up comments, Check here to receive reply notices to only your post/questions.
When to Apply Wood Brightener? I accidentally got lots of brightener drips on my newly stained redwood siding. Thanks! Right away after cleaning is when to apply brightener. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. While testing each cleaner, I used a rubric to score its performance. Wood cleaners and stain strippers raise the pH level of the wood during the prepping process. By Glenda Taylor | Updated May 20, 2022 1:13 PM. thank you!
Our budget pick, Krud Kutter, is a good all-around exterior cleaner that removes dirt, stains, and grime, and it doesnt cost a fortune.
Be aware of any contractor who says they can do this for a "cheap" price.
I applied the remove/stripper product about 2 weeks ago to my rough sawn cedar fences and did not apply brightener right away as we have had rain daily. I also have fuzzies in the grooves which I'm planning to painstakingly sand first.. What other steps should I take to prep for painting.
In general, a ready-to-use gallon of liquid deck cleaner will treat approximately 250 to 500 square feet of decking, but that can vary depending on the amount of soil, mold, and stains on the deck. Is the deck cleaner and brightner all in one product okay to use? Did not power wash. Do I need to use cleaner followed by brightener now? Use the RAD Cleaner first with pressure washing and then the Brightener.
How important is it to use a wood brightener immediately after using a stain stripper? To find out, I put two coats of deck paint on a new decking board, let it cure for a full week, then smeared it with mud and grease. Power wash a deck to remove dirt, grime, and mold. Wife got wood brightener on out stained cedar siding and it dried. If I use cleaner, scrub it will that compromise sanding? jk, on the last statement. Ok,the wood need to be wet before the brightener or not ?
It dilutes at a 1:5 (cleaner to water) ratio, is safe for use on walkways and most types of siding, and the 1-gallon jug will treat up to 2,250 square feet. Results were ok but not great. If they were specialty cleanerssuch as a deck brightener or a mold removerthey had to excel at those particular tasks. The best way to reduce damage is to rinse off plants or grassy areas immediately after cleaning the deck. You will always have to prep when reapplying.
To be honest, I didnt hold out a lot of hope for Simple Green because Ive used many eco-friendly products, including cleaners, that didnt seem all that effective. Even if theres no mildew or graying of the boards? About 5 minutes later, I rinsed it with water, and while the stain was lighter, I could still see traces. Thats a lot of cleaning power for the price. Awesome, thanks!
Its Important to keep in mind that the best options for a specific deck may not even be labeled as a deck cleaner but rather as an exterior house or siding cleaner thats suitable for use on decks. I used a stiff dry brush to remove the powder, and the concrete blocks beneath looked clean, with no dark or stained areas. Wood decks, especially cedar and redwood, eventually begin to dull and take on a weathered, gray appearanceeven if theyve been sealed. Extended Warranties. If I apply an extra coat it will last longer.
Subscribe here for all follow-up comments, Check here to receive reply notices to only your post/questions, {"set":null,"list":{"3":0,"4":0,"2":0,"5":0,"6":0,"7":0}}, {"set":null,"list":{"2":0,"3":0,"4":0,"5":0,"6":0,"7":0}}, {"set":null,"list":{"2":0,"3":0,"4":1,"5":0,"6":0,"7":0}}, {"set":null,"list":{"2":0,"3":0,"4":0,"5":0,"6":1,"7":0}}. Several aspects were scored, including how easy it was to understand the application instructions and whether the cleaner lived up to the manufacturers claims.
I selected the top-selling deck cleaners on the market and used each one to tackle actual decking boards that had been stained with dried-on mud and grease splatters from the grill. And it looks like its gonna rain the next 2 to 3 days. Thanks! It is best to always brighten when the deck is still wet from washing. if youre using a solid again i wouldnt see the need to brighten. New wood needs to weather for 3+ months and then cleaned and brightened for prep. Thanks. Like another mold cleaner Id tested, I had to visit a neighbors house to find mold to treat. Ugh. New wood does not need to be cleaned. Users can work with a strong 1:1 (cleaner to water) ratio for tough grease and grime or a 1:20 ratio for milder stains. cedar deck wood stain staining vs deckstainhelp smooth decking decks construction before ipe naturally Finally! Am I correct that it needs to dry for 24 hours before staining after brightener is used? messmer messmers Solid stains will lead to peeling at some point. Stain within two weeks of the prep.
It looked greatas intact as the other end of the board that I hadnt cleaned. Is my deck wood okay at this point?? After stripping my 43-year-old deck (it had only one coat of Sherwin Williams Deckscapes Semi-Transparent Stain 17 years ago) with Restore-A-Deck Stripper and a power washer, I rented a random orbital floor sander to sand the deck before adding the brightener. I have new raw red cedar fish scale wood shingles that are one year old but has been in a box in the garage so it has not seen any rain or sunshine. I was wondering if a wood stripper is better than a wood cleaner?
Free Shipping 5 Gallon Pails 48 US States! I waited until a bright morning with no rain forecast and sprayed the foundation thoroughly, following the instructions to let the solution soak in for up to 5 hours. They will probably end up damaging your wood.6. In some cases, additional scrubbing with a deck brush may be required to remove stubborn stains. The wood got very clean, but not tremendously bright . New wood needs to be prepped with a wood cleaner and a wood brightener. A hose may be necessary for rinsing away the cleaner after application. Todays robust vinyl decks are well suited to the same cleaners that are also safe for plastic and composite decks. Its suitable for use on all types of wood. Secure Shopping Environment: VISA | Mastercard | Amex | Discover | PayPal. It seemed like a pretty big claim, so I put it to the test.
To keep your deck looking great, its recommended to clean it annuallyideally in spring or early summerand then follow up with a sealer for extra protection from the elements.
The manufacturer claims that most green algae stains will be gone in 1 to 3 days and most black stains in 1 to 6 weeks. Painted and composite decks require a gentle cleaner like Star brite Non-Skid Deck Cleaner, which contains non-caustic chelating detergents to vanquish spills and dirt without scrubbing.
Can I strip the siding and redo it? Deck cleaners are designed to remove a host of unsightly elementsgrime, grease, stains, mold, and mildewfrom different types of decks, so choose one specifically suited to both the decking material and the kind of grime or debris to be removed. All-purpose wood deck cleaners contain detergents to dissolve surface dirt, spills, and grime.
Applying deck cleaner via a pressure washer is more effective in powering away stubborn stains than a hose-end dispenser because the water pressure is much higher in these devices. That was notable since it often takes strong chemicals to cut through grease.
What does full sun do to staining? Mold Armor and Citra-Shield were the two I eliminated because they didnt meet our high standards.
It is best to have a wood or deck stain the penetrates into the wood leaving a dull or "matte" finish.
A brightener being a mild acid will lower neutralize and lower the pH balance to neutral. No, the spots are probably internal and will not disappear and will not come out with any other prep. The finish will blister and peel. I would definitely power wash firstIm applying the exact same stain (Armstrong Clark semi transparent natural oak). You would have to strip and redo to fix. Applying extra coatings will not make the stain last longer. Note that its essential for these cleaners to remain on the surface rather than be rinsed off. The posts and spindles had 2 coats of paint which required stripper and LOTS of hand sanding. Noticing a lot of wood fuzzies how should we proceed?
Choosing an in-between ratio of 1:5, I mixed it up in a bucket and brushed it on my test board with a nylon-bristle brush. Initially, I planned on testing all the deck cleaners on standard pieces of wood decking boards, purchased from the lumber yard and slathered with mud and grease. However, once the board was dry I compared it to another new decking board, and it wasnt any lighter in tone.
Would the brightened drips on the stain fade on their own over time by any chance?
These ingredients leave a thin protective layer on the surface to help repel staining.
Right away or let dry? You should notice the wood brightening up right away. The $99 Deck Cleaning coupon from a local pressure washing company is a marketing gimmick. This will make the wood more porous for the stain. Also, after I apply the brighter and hose it off, do I need to wait 24 hours before I stain/seal? These are the perfect conditions for a long lasting beautiful finish. Any warranty that claims over 2 years on a horizontal surface is either limited or is playing the numbers game on claims. Use the Cleaner and Brightener kit. While many deck cleaners call for rinsing after application, others are designed to remain on the decking to saturate the wood with mold- and algae-fighting ingredients. Decks will look their best when cleaned with a detergent thats capable of removing stains, dirt, and mold.
rough sawn deck trim wood stain This darkens the woods appearance and does not offer the perfect surface conditions for the new stain to penetrate properly. When I rinsed the deck more paint peeled off.
After washing the wood and rinsing well, mix the brightener up according to the directions. We are still having daily rain. Can I apply the brighter before sanding and staining? This will cause a "buildup" of the stain on top of the surface instead of penetrating "into" the surface. Sand 60-80 grit and then brightener last. Are you saying I need to start over? What began as a simple test on wood decking expanded to cleaning concrete, masonry, siding, and other outdoor surfaces. It is just impossible to have your deck prepped for $99 properly. Dont want to put in a lot of elbow grease? Some include familiar nontoxic ingredients, like vinegar to help break down grease, or baking soda, which acts as a wood brightener on weathered wood. Yes. You cannot stain after your prep last Fall. Spot sand all loose or peeling stain and then cover with a new coat of solid stain. It now needs to be sanded to remove wood fuzz/loose fibers and smooth it out (10+year old wood but was well-preserved). I filled a pump-sprayer with the product (no diluting) and took it to a tiny rural cemetery where I knew the headstones had plenty of algae growth. I recently stripped a semitransparent stain off my pressure treated deck and used a power washer to remove the stripper and old finish. You still need to brighten after the stripping.
This is not true.
Those looking for a quality deck cleaner at an affordable price need look no further than Krud Kutters Pressure Washer Concentrate. (But This could take hours?). Can I sand and brighten (after sanding) in the same day? An eco-sensitive cleaner that packs a punch! Several of todays deck cleaners are eco-friendly and contain ingredients that wont damage surrounding grass and plants.