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Deck Stain Questions and Answers
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Topic starter
04/09/2015 3:28 pm
Folks
I have a Panabode cottage north of Toronto on the Kawartha lakes. Cottage was built in the early 60's of 4 inch tongue and groove Cedar and over the years I have replaced the stain finish numerous times. This usually entails hand scraping the boards back to bare wood. Needless to say this is getting old. I applied Sikkens Cetol 1 and 23 (semi transparent) about 20 years ago and it held up fairly well but eventually went hard, dark and started to flake. I hand scraped it to bare wood again and used the same Sikkens process since it held up better than most other products we had tried in the past. I am now at the point where the finish is hard again, dark and starting to flake. I am not sure I want to go through the removal process again .. but I might have to. Here are my questions.
1. If I elect to go with an semi or full opaque stain do I still have to remove everything or what is the necessary prep for this given Sikkens would have been oil based (I believe). What stain do you recommend? If I have to drive to Buffalo and bring it back then I will consider making the trip for a good product.
2. If I wish to punish myself and go through the removal process is there a decent stain removal product that will help lift the old Sikkens to make it easier to remove. the reason for the hand scrape was "trying to hold a heavy belt sander against the siding for along period of time was tiring" and that did not solve for the rounded areas between the boards or corners. A really sharp scraper and supporting grinder for sharpening worked better.
3. I do like seeing the grain so a Semi-transparent is still preferred but once I have the finish off what do you recommend to replace the Sikkens ...that will hold up. The side facing the water takes the heaviest UV hit. if I have to re-apply a coat of the recommended product every 3 to 5 years then I guess i can accept that (longer the better ... getting too old for this nonsense :))
Thanks and I look forward to your guidance
05/09/2015 12:06 pm
1. You need to remove 100% if switching to another semi-transparent. If you want a solid opaque then you could clean and stain over it. There is no going back if you do this.
2. Try a stain stripper and pressure washing to remove as much as possible, sand or scrape the est if needed after. Brighten all the wood when done. Use Restore A Deck Products.
3. TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark. Darker or richer colors will always give better UV protection.
Topic starter
05/09/2015 3:14 pm
Thank you - this is what i thought but always better to ask the expert - how well does the Restore a Deck work on a vertical service? - was planning on using my back pack garden sprayer to apply or is it better to mix it in with pressure washer given a vertical surface? Any issues with Restore a Deck stripper and or brightener around Vinyl window trim (do i need to cover? Again - a huge thanks
