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Deck Refinishing Tips
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Finishes
Sealers - Pigment free to let the natural wood color show through.  They provide
              little UV protection.
Wood Toners - Non-tintable with exceptional color clarity highlighing the natural
                      beauty of the wood grain without heavy pigmentation.  Offers UV
                      absorbtion to soak up the suns harmful rays, preventing
                      premature wood deterioration.  Special water repellents form a
                      strong water barrier to guard against water penetration.
Semi-Transparent Stains - Tintable and longer lasting than wood toners. 
                                       Protects from UV rays and adds fade resistant color
                                       to exterior wood while allowing the natrual beauty of
                                       the wood grain and texture to show through. Special
                                       water repellents form a strong water barrier to guard
                                       against water penetration.
Solid Stains - Solid stains are really only recommended for verticle surfaces. 
                    They tend to hide the woods grain, offers the highest UV
                    protection and give a mildew resistant coating.
 
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Deck refinishing is basically a two (non-consecutive) day project depending on the size of your deck and/or any maintenance needed.
 
First, get your equipment lined up:
 
Power Washer with a 40 degree fan tip (it is recommended to set the pressure at 3000 psi.  The lower setting will work, but will take longer to finish the job.  Higher settings may damage the surface you are planning to refinish.
2 Gallon Pump Sprayer w/fan tip
Deck Wash / Cleaner
Nonchlorine Bleach
Wood Brightener - for cedar & redwood decks only
Foam Applicator Pad w/extension pole
Finish - Sealer or Stain
 
 
Cleaning & Bleaching
1) Wet the surface of your deck deck with water from a hose or power washer.  The wet deck will help disperse the cleaning solution evenly.  Mix the deck wash / cleaner according to the directions on the container and apply  it to the wet wood with a pump sprayer.  Allow about 10 to 15 minutes for the deck wash / cleaner to work.
 
2) Using the power washer, spray the gaps between the boards power washing the mildew abd dirt from the wood using long, smooth, overlapping strokes.  Note, to aviod gouging the surface, hold the wand at least 6 inches from the surface and keep it moving continuously lifting the tip at the end of each stroke.
 
3) Working from the railings down, use the power washer to spray away any loosened grime and dirt.  Rinse two or three times to ensure there's no debris to interfere with the bleach or finish.
 
4) To kill any mildew, pump spray a diluted solution of nonchlorine bleach on the wet wood.  For cedar, redwood or other hardwoods mix 6 parts water to 1 part bleach; for pine mix 2 parts water to 1 part bleach.  Wait 10 to 20 minutes and rinse throughly with water.  To lighten cedar or redwood follow with a solution of wood brightener.  Apply to the wet wood with the pump sprayer.  Allow the brightener to work for 10 minutes and rinse.
 
Applying the Finish
After the deck is thoroughly dry with at least three consecutive days without rain you'll be ready to apply the finish.  Make sure you wait for a day when there is no chance chance for rain and little wind.  You may want to drap plastic sheets or tarps over plants, grass or any other nearby structures to protect from over spray.
 
1)  Working from the top down, stain the railings and slats / balusters with the foam applicator pad.  Watch for any drips that form and immediately wipe them away.
 
2) Using a pump sprayer, apply the finish in long, even, slightly overlapping strokes along the lenght of the board.  Be sure to spray between boards too to protect their edges.  Stop spraying about 12 inches from the side of the deck to keep other surfaces from getting splattered.
 
3) After spraying 4 or 5 boards, go back and smooth out the finish with a foam applicator pad.  Along the edges, carefully cut in the finish with a pad or brush.  Repeat spraying and spreading, and cutting in every four or five boards until the deck is finished.  Keeping a wet edge prevents overlap marks.  Let the finish dry for two days before walking on it.