Grey Wood Deck Cleaning & Restoration

Hi Folks,

*CONTEXT*
After my last posting and your advice, I threw caution to the wind and raced the weather — I sanded each and every board again — then stripped again — this time, I got on my hands and knees and over two days I scrubbed EACH AND EVERY BOARD (hurray for me). Then, I brightened again. The results were wonderful and my deck was ready to stain. But, then it rained. And rained a lot. So, it took me about two more weeks before I could stain.

Once I stained, I followed your advice and used the pads, really worked the stained into each and every board in a steady motion. Since this was old wood and absorbed the stain well, there were a few spots that needed me to pass over them with a 2nd coat. I also did the railings.

The next day - about 15 hours later - it rained. In the morning, the water on the deck was beading nicely and I felt a deep sense of satisfaction for a job well done. Thank you to you folks for all your help during this process.

Looking at this new set of photos, you can see my final removal of the grey powdery paint texture.

You can also see the final stain, which is far more rich and bold than expected. Since the previous owner was a contractor, I believe he used whatever wood he could get his hands on to build this giant deck and save money, so there are many inconsistencies, though beautiful and we're very happy.

*QUESTIONS*

1) There are areas that didn't get enough stain, creating more of an inconsistency of tone than I prefer, this was impossible to detect during the process (I finished at sundown, then the rain). Will I be able to go over these areas again to attempt a more even coating — now, or next year?

2) In the area highlighted with yellow, the lighter boards within the dark section - is it too late to touch up those boards with a 2nd coat?

3) If I understand correctly, in the future, I will not have to sand again, but instead I would wash the deck with water only and apply another coat of the Armstrong Amber. Is that correct?

Thanks for everything.

Joe Wachs
Moldy grey deck > Now rich amber

It will show if you try to darken some boards and not others. We would leave alone and lightly clean next Spring and apply one coat to the entire deck. You do not wash with just water when reapplying. Use a mild deck cleaner to help remove any dirt, etc.

Gentlemen: 

It has been two years since my original trouble-shooting. My deck is gorgeous, the admiration of all my neighbors!

I have recently stripped the mold and algae from our very large fence and after more prep will apply Armstrong Clark in Amber to the fence as well.

DECK - As for the deck, the soft pressure washer nozzle nicely removes the gunk collected over the years, and I will use a light cleaner across the whole deck before applying the much-anticipated 2nd coat of Armstrong Clark in Amber. 

Any advice to these points appreciated, otherwise, I think I'm in good shape. 

JW 

To clarify, what are some options for light cleaning besides water (as alternates to Reatore-a-Deck cleaner) available at my local HDepot?

thank you. 

JW

Joe, we do not use any HD or Lowes brands for cleaning as they are bleach based. Your cleaning looks decent but maybe a wood brightener will help to lighten the wood internally. Any brand should work.

Thanks. The wood is lighter than the photos imply. I’m not keen on using any brightener  at this point (now that the sun has dried it nicely). I will be applying a 2nd coat of amber in the days ahead. Will post final pics. Many thanks for all. JW

Hi Folks:

I’m done. Amidst my busy schedule and the weather, I final got two clean coats applied. I also pressure washed th entire fence and applied two coats. Last night, it rained and the water sheeted off the wood like so many droplets off a duck’s arse. 

Many thanks for all the info and support. 

This is what a restored 25-year-old cedar deck looks like with two coats of semi-trans Amber after significant stripping, sanding, cleaning, staining. 

Anyone following this thread, heed my warning: Haste makes waste. Slow down. Don’t try to beat the clock. It’s woodwork, after all. 

Piece, 

Joe Wachs // Maplewood, NJ

Great work!

Hi Folks - Hope you’re well -

I am revisiting a question from the past: 

My deck looks great. After the snow and rain, a slippery algae forms making the wood dangerous to walk upon. 

What is the best product/method for cleaning the wood without damaging or compromising the current excellent finish?

joe 

Try warm water with dish soap and a soft car wash brush.

Hi Folks - since my last post, the world has changed a bit. Hope you faired well. 

Previously, I used Armstrong Semi-trans in Amber, which gave a good three years of life. The elements in a shady yard developed a thick algae, which I’ve stripped with Dawn and pressure-washing to get the bulk. 

My plan now is to use the TWP 1500 Series Semi in Pecan after another cleaning + brightening with their Gemini brand. I will apply the stain with the wet-on-wet process. 

I have no questions, if this looks good to you. 

Use the Stripper and Brightener kit if you still have some of the AC stain on your wood.

@administrator

Looks good to stain.

Posted by: @administrator

Looks good to stain.

Far out! Thanks. JW