Deck sealers have been reviewed in Consumer Reports magazine. Check the May, 1997 and June, 1999 magazines for more information about what products worked and what products didn't.
Q&A /
Deck stripping products come in a variety of chemical strengths. Deck strippers can range from mild to toxic. Try the least aggressive stripper first on your wood deck. If it doesn't work, move up in strength.
Sealing decks every year is a pain. Avoid the yearly deck cleaning and deck sealing by using oxygen bleach and a synthetic resin sealer. Always clean after stripping wood decks of old finishes.
Power washing does erode wood, despite what many people think. To wash a deck properly, use a solution of oxygen bleach and seal the deck the next day with a synthetic resin sealer.
Chlorine bleach is a great sanitizer but it can harm wood. For deck cleaning, use oxygen bleach. Oxygen bleach doesn't harm wood or remove color from your deck. Stain Solver is my brand of oxygen bleach.
The following chart displays the results from 25 tested wood sealers and water repellents in 1996. The synthetic resins tested best. The top product was Sikkens, an expensive film former resin. The second place product, called Defy, is not a film former and is an excellent product.
Deck cleaning takes a lot of work. Oxygen bleach works wonderful to clean your deck without harming it. The next step to keeping your deck clean is sealing it. Imagine a deck sealer that lasts two to three years! It is possible to get results like that if you choose wisely.
Deck finish test results from 2000 were published by Earlham Analytical Testing Labs in Indiana. They weathered 30 deck finishes for at least six months to see how well each performed in outdoor exposure and repelling water. Here are the top five deck finishes.
Wood decks look great after they have been cleaned. Now wooden decks can be sealed with a clear epoxy sealer that does not let the wood turn gray. This synthetic resin sealer has no oils to allow algae and mildew to feed and grow on.
Pressure washing wood decks can erode the soft wood of the lumber used on your deck rails and floors. It will actually splinter it. Chlorine Bleach will damage all of the components of your wooden decks and it is toxic to surrounding plantings. Oxygen bleach is the way to clean for a beautiful finish that looks like a new deck.
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