How do you clean redwoods before staining?
Wash with a weak bleach solution — 1/4 cup of bleach to a gallon of water — to kill the fungus before pressure washing or scrubbing. Once cleaning is completed, thoroughly rinse the deck with clear water and allow the deck to dry for several days.
How do you clean redwood decking?
Simply wash the redwood’s surface with a mixture containing one cup of TSP, one cup of household bleach and a gallon of water. Rinse well, then dissolve four ounces of oxalic acid crystals in a gallon of warm water and apply to the structure. Be sure to use non-metallic containers for both solutions.
When should I stain my redwood deck?
There are many questions as to when a newly installed deck should be stained. Some stain manufacturers suggest you should wait 3-12 months to let the wood dry while others say to stain the deck right away. The answer can be both just as long as you prep the new wood properly for an application of the stain.
Can I pressure wash a redwood deck?
We recommend using a pressure washer that can produce a stream of water of at least 1,500 pounds per square inch. Be sure to keep the wand moving so you don’t blast softer wood away from the surface and leave a rippled effect on the deck.
What oil do you use on Redwood?
linseed oil, are not recommended on exterior redwood as they tend to promote mildew growth. Quality oil-based finishes, including those based upon linseed oil, contain mildewcides, and are appropriate for use on exterior redwood.
Does Redwood need to be stained?
A redwood deck should be cleaned and protected with a weather-resistant stain every year or so. For help with a new redwood deck, allow the wood to weather for a few months to let the oils dry out (rough sawn wood can be finished right after installation). A semi-transparent penetrating deck stain is ideal.
Can I use OxiClean on my deck?
OxiClean is safe to use on decks. When cleaning your outdoor deck, the oxygen bleach is a much better alternative than chlorine bleach as it cleans any deck surface without causing discoloration or damage to plants, shrubs, soil and similar surroundings.
What is the best stain for a redwood deck?
A semi-transparent penetrating deck stain is ideal. This type of stain will enhance the redwood’s natural beauty and eliminate weathering. When staining redwood, it is important to only apply as much stain as the wood can handle. If the stain is not absorbed within 10-15 minutes, wipe the excess off the surface.
How do you finish a redwood deck?
Let a new redwood deck cure for 1 to 2 weeks before finishing it. Sprinkle a few drops on the deck. If they sink in, the deck is ready to be finished. Cover the foliage and grass surrounding your deck with plastic sheeting to protect it from the oxalic acid cleaner and sealer.
What is the best deck cleaner?
The Simple Green Pro HD is the best composite deck cleaner because it’s the most cost-effective and reliable cleaner for oily surfaces. This product has perfect performance on degreasing, and is completely safe that it can be used on anything require degreasing.
How do you clean your deck before staining?
The only way to clean a deck prior to a new coat of stain and sealer is to apply water and cleaning solution (or just water) and scrub as well as power-wash the surface to both clean and strip away any remaining layers of protective sealer.
What is the best treatment for Redwood?
What Is the Best Treatment for Redwood? Clean the Deck. A cleansing solution specially made for spot-treating wood should be used. Do not dilute it and make sure to follow label instructions. Choose the Best Treatment. Apply the Stain. Pro Tip. It should be noted herein that sealing Redwood up