| Today,
one out of every four homes in America is adorned with a wood deck. According to a recent
issue of Paint Dealer magazine, there have been about 20 million decks added to the
mountains, beaches and patios of the United States in the last 20 years and that number is
growing at an astonishing rate. Construction, restoration and maintenance of these decks
has become a multi-billion dollar a year industry. In
the west most decks are constructed of redwood. This is because California redwood is
naturally resistant to rot and insects. Redwood is also less prone to warping and cracking
due to its natural stability.
So, you're probably asking "what does all this have to
do with the dirty old gray deck hanging off the back of my customer's house?" Good
news! There is hope for that structure. Your customer can restore the beauty of their deck
with relatively little effort.
PREPARATION Weathered gray deck boards can
be easily restored by using one of a variety of methods. Proper surface preparation is
essential for maximum stain effectiveness. It is quite important that a deck be clean, dry
and free of loose wood fiber. There are many chemical wood cleaners readily available to
home owners these days. Some cleaners contain oxalic or phosphoric acids, sodium hydroxide
(bleach) or other effective, yet potentially harmful ingredients.
One very effective 'Wood Renewer' on the market today is
produced by Preserva- Products Inc. It contains citric acid; an environmentally safe, user
friendly ingredient regularly used in food products. Regardless of your product choice,
it's important to read and follow the manufacturer's application recommendations.
Another popular cleaning method is water-blasting. This
process, while very effective, can cause severe wood damage if not properly executed.
Water-blasting units range from 500 psi (pounds per square inch) to 4000 psi. Unless in
the hands of a professional, the more powerful water blasters can create irreparable
scarring. The use of 'Wood Renewer' in conjunction with water blasting, set at
approximately 1000 psi, will allow for better cleaning with minimal or no damage. Many
units are equipped with siphon/injection features to aid in this process.
The third method of preparation is sanding. Sanding
effectively removes pigmented finishes, as well as discoloration caused by dirt, dust, car
emission and tree pollen. Nail heads should be set below the surface before sanding.
Setting the nails will extend the life of the sand paper and prevent nail stains. Never
use steel wool or wire brushes as metal particles may become embedded in the wood and can
cause staining, due to ferrous oxide contamination.
SELECTING THE RIGHT FINISH
After proper preparation, it is time to apply a quality, organic oil-based wood finish to
your deck. A quality deck finish is one that protects against sun, water and mildew. For
durability, it is important to use a product that contains alkyd resin. There are many, so
called, wood finishes on the market today that do not address all areas of protection. |
FOR COLOR SAMPLES, Click Here
To achieve a lasting redwood color, or any other natural tone, an easily--applied
oil- based deck stain may be used. According to the California Redwood Association, a
lightly pigmented stain will add color without obscuring the grain, thus allowing a more
natural appearance. Also, a pigmented product will provide far better color retention than
a clear finish. Do your homework. Know how to
direct your customer. Call the deck finish manufacturers and ask specific questions. Preserva-Products
Inc. offers an information hot line at 1-800-PW SALES (797-2537)
during regular business hours.
APPLICATION TIPS Naturally, as with any
pigmented product, shake or stir well before using and keep stirred during application.
When using more than one container of the same product, mix together the entire amount
needed before applying. This will assure color uniformity.
Never apply deck stain in direct sunlight or onto a hot deck
(if alternative times are possible). Try to work in the shade, and apply the stain only to
surfaces that will be in the shade for awhile. This will allow the stain to penetrate deep
into the surface prior to drying. To avoid lap marks, keep a wet edge. Start at one edge
and follow through to the end of the boards.
Apply only as much stain as the wood will absorb. No excess
fluid should be noticeable 15 to 20 minutes after application. If puddles occur, wipe-up
excess using a rag damp with paint thinner. To avoid the possibility of spontaneous
combustion, wash oil soaked cloth, paper or other application materials in water and dry
outdoors away from sun, heat, flame or combustibles. After air dried, dispose of in
accordance with-city or county regulation.
MAINTENANCE Re-application is required after
old finish has lost its effectiveness. In severe or harsh climates, re-application may be
required every 12 to 18 months. In milder climates, reapplication may not be necessary for
2 to 3 years. Severity of exposure is the determining factor. In view of the investment
being protected, the honest answer to the question "how often must I re-treat?' is
"as often as is necessary".
WRAP-UP The bottom line ... If your customer
does not want to maintain their deck, you might as well cover it with astro turf Great
looking decks are not difficult to maintain, but one can't just ignore them and expect
them to last. With a little time, effort and money your customers can enjoy a beautiful
outdoor deck year after year.
Let's get to work!
|
