Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Pressure Washed Deck - Newbie

Started pressuring washing my mahogany deck yesterday and today. Overall not too bad. Made some first-timer mistakes (cut into the wood in a few spots, lines, etc.). Definitley plan on sanding when completely dry and will on use the SuperDeck Semi-Transparent Cedar stain.

My issue is the floor of the deck which is a heck of a lot harder to power wash than the rails and spindles were. The mold and old sealant pretty much came right off the rails/spindles using a 25 degree nozzle. The floor on the other hand is a bear. Used the 15 degree nozzle and really a hard time getting it down to the wood. I think I'm going to need a wood stripper or brightner to get the BLACK krud off. It's a combination of dirt/mold/sun damage and years of Thompsons Water Sealer applied by the old homeowner. The deck is only 6 years old.

I have two questions;

- Can someone recommend a good wood stripper/brightner that I can use to soften up the krud before blasting it with the power washer?

- After all is done I'm going to sand it out using an orbital sander. What grit sandpaper would be sufficient and not too harsh?

Thanks everyone.

FC

You should never use a pressure washer as the sole method of cleaning a deck. A deck properly cleaned with a PWer shouldn't require sanding.

What I do is wet the deck and then take a pump up garden sprayer to apply a bleach/water solution [never, ever stronger than 50% bleach] let it set but not dry and then rinse with the pressure washer. There are also commercially prepared deck cleaners that will do a good job and may be a little more diy friendly. Too strong a bleach solution can break down wood fibers:eek:

Most of the time the bleach will forgo the need to use a deck brightner but you can still use one if needed.

120-150 grit sandpaper should be fine.Always try to sand with the direction of the grain.

Thanks Mark. I forgot to say that prior to using the pressure washer I wet the deck and then sprayed it down with Krud Kutter. Guy at the local HW store said the stuff works great for cleaning decks and is plant/eco friendly. Contains "Sporex" a unique additive which removes tough stains from mildew, mold, algae, fungus and moss and restores the original look to wood decks and fences. Overall it did work well with the exception of the floor. Really couldn't get the Krud off :wall:.

I've posted some photos here for you take a look if you like.

Pictures by seanq08 - Photobucket (http://s755.photobucket.com/albums/xx198/seanq08/?newest=1)

Thanks again

FC

I don't know that I've ever used krud kutter, I almost always use a bleach/water solution because it works and it's cheap :D You do have to take care not to damage any surrounding plant life.

You might try retreating the deck and while the cleaner is wet, use an old broom and scrub the deck. Often stubborn areas need scrubbing and/or retreating to get them clean. Also it helps to rinse off any cleaner before it has a chance to dry - let it work as long as possible just don't let it dry.

Will do - thanks for the help Mark.

Not as cheap as bleach, but you can really see it working as you go...Pro-tech cleaner and pro-tech brightener by penofin. If you need to remove old stain they also make a stripper but I haven't used it.

I've also used flood deck wash with good results.

Thanks a lot scuba. Appreciate it.

FC