How To Clean A Stained Cedar Deck
Cleaning staining and sealing.
How to clean a stained cedar deck. At which point you can choose from a wide range of deck specific stains and finishes or leave your restored deck unfinished eventually turning a beautiful silvery patina. Clean weathered cedar before staining if your cedar decking has been exposed to the elements for a longer period of time and has weathered a great deal then you should wash it before staining. Create a deck cleaning solution by mixing cup liquid dish soap with 1 gallon water. In a bucket pour one part borate in this case tom used bora care and five parts of water and mix well using a cordless drill fitted with a paint mixing paddle.
Solid color stains have solid particles but not nearly as many as paint. Pour the borate solution into the pump sprayer and apply it to the deck and railings to kill algae. Staining cedar with a solid color stain. Use a stiff bristled brush broom to scrub the deck with the cleaning solution.
How to clean unfinished wood and restore that natural smell. If you have a brand new deck made of treated lumber as opposed to cedar or redwood wait at least a few weeks before sealing it for the first time. Thus solid color stains let some of the cedar s grain show through but none of the color. Muddy shoes spilled food and wet dogs can leave it dirty stained and smelly.
Let the deck dry for two or. If your beautiful unfinished cedar or other natural wood deck is looking more weathered than you would like or has moss lichen or other dirt on it there s a quick and easy way to clean it without wasting money on harsh chemicals. After you clean your deck inspect for mildew which needs to be removed before applying any finishing product. Restoring your western red cedar decking.
What you get is a very uniform opaque color. Use a power washer or hose to thoroughly clean the surface of the deck. Oil stains that are. Rinse the deck clean with a garden hose.
Even a deck that s not a party platform is up against the elements pollen. Regularly sweep off debris. How to clean stained cedar siding. The upside is that solid color stains will block most damaging ultraviolet light.
Here s our guide to cleaning staining and sealing your cedar deck. Stained cedar siding has a tendency to discolor over time. Now that you see the benefits of deck winterization as well as the hazards of failing to maintain a deck let s get down to brass tacks. This allows the wood to dry so the stain is absorbed.
Use the water test to check your deck every few months to ensure the sealer is still repelling water.