Deck Doctor

 

How do I refinish my deck?  Answer 2

Refinishing Wood Decks

Materials You Will Need:

    * Sandpaper

    * Masking tape and masking paper

    * Pressured water source and water hose with spray nozzle

    * Mild detergent

    * Waterproofing wood sealer & finish or

    * Deck stain

Materials You May Need:

    * Duct tape

    * Deck finish remover or

    * Conventional paint stripper

    * Deck & mildew stain remover

    * Exterior wood cleaner, brightener & conditioner

Tools You Will Need:

    * Scrubbing brush

    * Paint roller & tray and/or paint sprayer

    * Paint brushes and/or applicators

    * Sprayer for mildew stain remover and cleaner, brightener & conditioner

Additional Tools You May Need:

    * Duct Tape

    * Drop Cloth

Surface Preparations

Start the process of refinishing your wood deck by determining the wood condition. The first test to use is the "water absorption test". Sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface. If water remains on the surface, i.e., the surface will not darken and the water drops puddle on the surface, use a deck finish remover, a conventional paint stripper or sand using sandpaper to remove the old coating.

The second test to use is a "tape test" using duct tape. You can test various areas of the wood surface by cutting a small "X" through the existing surface coating with a sharp blade. If testing an uncoated surface, it is not necessary to to cut an "X" in the surface before applying duct tape. Place duct tape on the "X" or directly on the uncoated wood surface and press firmly. Then, pull the duct tape off quickly. If any of the old coating or surface wood fibers are pulled onto the tape, then the wood surface has deteriorated and removal is required.

Clean and hose off all dirt, grease and oil from the deck with a mild detergent. Allow to dry completely.

To prepare the surface for refinishing, on coated wood, use a deck finish remover, a conventional paint stripper or use sandpaper to remove the old coating. On uncoated wood, use an exterior wood cleaner, brightener and conditioner to remove dead wood fibers and mill glaze to help clean and rejuvenate the wood surface. If no wood fibers are pulled onto the tape, the surface is ready for additional preparation and cleaning. If mildew stains are present, use a deck and mildew stain remover on the surface.

Apply Finish

Finish coatings include clear, colored and stain finishes. Clear and wood toned linseed oil finishes provide a waterproofing seal and help prevent warping and swelling of the wood. The sealer may also contain ultraviolet inhibitors and mildewcide. Stain finishes resist ultraviolet rays and are water repellent. Stain finishes can accent the natural wood grain, partially hide the wood grain or hide the wood grain. Wood texture will always be visible.

Prepare the area around the deck for finish application using masking tape and masking paper as needed. Apply the selected finish using paint application devices (paint roller, paint sprayer, etc.). Let the finish treatment completely dry before using the deck (follow directions for the finish material).

Source: http://www.mcguckin.com/tips/paints/refinish_wooddecks.htm

 

 

 

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