Power washing a deck is a quick and efficient way to get it ready for painting or staining but it isn t a necessary prerequisite.
What can i use to clean my deck before staining.
Banish mildew with borax.
When a surface is not clean stains and other finishes have trouble sticking and may end up peeling.
Let your deck dry naturally and completely in the sun s rays before redecorating it.
A wood deck cleaner can help remove dirt nail stains algae and mildew.
Allow to dry for 24 hours then sand the surface with between a 60 to 150 grit sandpaper or sanding disk.
If your deck has visible mildew stains add 1 cup of.
Use the fan tip and spray at an angle leaving two or more feet between the nozzle and the deck.
To test the stain.
Cleaning the deck also gives you the opportunity to check the wood for loose nails or rough spots that could cause tripping or splinters.
Water based stains need to be stripped off before you apply a new finish while oil based stains can be recoated after you use a deck cleaner.
Do you need to use a power washer before staining a deck.
When you re comfortable with what to use to clean deck before staining the staining process will be painless.
Lack of preparation is the most common reason why deck stains and sealers fail so don t skip this very important step.
The same product you use to keep your dishes cleaned can also remove dirt dust and grease from your deck.
If your deck isn t brand new always use a cleaner before applying finish.
However if you have no idea if the stain on your deck was water based or oil based you will need to perform a quick test.
To use the pressure washer to clean your deck read and follow the manufacturer s instructions to avoid damaging your deck or the equipment.
Furthermore since dish soap is safe enough for your delicate dishes it will not harm your deck s stain or the surrounding plant life especially if you look for a soap that is biodegradable.
Knowing how to clean a deck before staining helps ensure that your experience with deck preservation is a smooth one.
The process removes decaying organic material that might erode the deck surface and prepares the wood for staining.
Then wash the deck using a power washer to scrub the surface clean.
Thoroughly sweep the deck to remove all leaves and other debris.
This guide shows you the vital details of deck cleaning and staining.
Cleaning your wooden deck is part of its annual maintenance.