Tips for Removing or Lightening Deck Stains
A new deck definitely looks very alluring but this effect can wear off all too
soon if you don’t take proper care of your deck. The secret lies in taking
measures to take care of your deck because any wooden surface tends to lose its
good qualities when it is exposed to sunlight or to extreme weather for too
long. If your wooden deck is uncoated, it will deteriorate fast and unsightly
stains will appear. However, if you apply coating onto your wooden deck, the
coating can provide some protection to your deck, keeping it from deteriorating
and staining. The best way to ensure your woodwork remains protected even before
you see deterioration and staining is to act even before the problem occurs.
There are many methods available to you here, both mechanical and chemical, to
keep your wooden deck attractive and stain-free.
How to Get Rid of Stains
Take a look at some ways of actually removing any stains that might already be
on your deck. First, you should try to identify the actual causes of your deck
surface's discoloration and attempt to apply the right solution to the problem.
Various causes include ingress of foreign matter (such as bird droppings),
grease, tree saps, stains from nails and iron articles, tannis or other chemical
agents, fungi, algae and fading of wood due to sunlight exposure, moisture and
water. Additionally, decomposition of any original coating might be causing some
stains.
Refurbishing Agents
* Bleaches
Bleaches are effective at lightening deck stains. Bleaches come in a wide
variety. Usually, bleaches are classified into three categories: chlorine,
peroxide and oxalic acids. If you know what caused the stain, that information
will be very helpful in deciding which type of bleach you should use.
* Chlorine
Chlorine is a very strong bleach that is capable of removing or lightening just
about any stain. Additionally, chlorine also kills off any moss and algae.
However, chlorine can damage the wood itself if too strong a concentration is
used. Chlorine can also damage the surrounding environment if you’re not
careful. A solution of one and a half cups per gallon of water is usually best
here.
* Peroxide Bleaches
Peroxide bleaches come in two types: A and B and a combination of both of these
bleaches should be used for best results. If you use them individually, they
won’t work. The combination of the two is very effective at removing pigment
stains, but they are not the best at dealing with stains caused by dyes.
* Oxalic Acids
Oxalix acid is an effective solution for removing stains due to oxidation. For
example, a black spot caused by contact with water upon the wood can be dealt
with using oxalic acids. Water has iron while wood has tannic acids. When the
iron in water comes into contact with the tannic acids in the wood, this results
to black spots. We might also see these black spots form around nails or other
fasteners as contact with water results in a black ring. Oxalic acid is best for
lightening the effects of weather exposure on the wooden deck.
Word of Caution
As you use these bleaches, take care to properly protect yourself by wearing a
protective mask and gloves because the toxic nature of bleach can have adverse
effects.
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