Brian Keating

Aaron, Are you in Illinois or Colorado? The last we heard from you was when you were packing up and moving to Colorado. Welcome Back!

I never use a surface cleaner on wood. First it is way to much pressure. I use between 500-1000 psi when cleaning/stripping a deck. Second it is not good to go against the grain. You will leave swirl marks.

Ron, I would be very interested in a house wash marketing package if you were willing to customize it to my company. I currently only do decks and the occasional sidewalk or patio. Basically everything you mentioned in your post is what I have questions about. I will definitely check in on the chat tonight.

I would like to attend a chat on House washing. It seems like everyone is doing it but in different ways with different chemicals.

I couldn't agree more! This sight is truly one of the best. Thanks for giving us a places to share, learn and grow as an industry.

Could someone explain the two step process?

The last couple years we have roasted on the Weber (make sure you have a full tank of gas). It takes about the same amount of time as the oven but I think it has a better taste and is juicer. The rub is the key. We get ours at a local meat market.

Michael, Is it possible to get a higher GPM from a gear drive pump than a belt drive? I have a gear drive 13.0hp honda with a cat pump. It is rated at 4.5 GPM at 3500psi. The same belt drive is rated at 4.0 GPM at 3500psi.

James - Would you let a new cedar deck sit through a winter of freezing and thawing? It seems to me that you are promoting cracking and checking when you let a cedar deck go through a wnter without sealing it. I ran across a 3 year old deck this season that had already started to rot. I had to replace 6 boards. Letting it sit six month through a summer is probably OK but I would not recommend letting it sit through a winter. Just my opinion.

Rob - What is the reasoning behind waiting 6 months to a year to seal cedar?

Jeff, I would recommend getting a copy of the Wood Restoration and Residential Powerwash Profit Seminar manual. I'm not sure if Beth sells it but you can get it at www.sunbritesupply.com. It will give you all of the information you need to get started in wood restoration. It is also the manual used by PWNA for wood restoration certification. Brian

There is no benefit to using hot water on wood. It raises the grain and causes the wod to swell a lot more then cold water. It also causes the wood to fur more then cold water. So, if you like to sand use hot water. Cold water and good chemicals are your best bet.

Dale, I would like a copy of also if you do not mind! email at decksetc@ameritech.net Thanks, Brian

Was the Cabot's solid or semi-transparent? One coat or two?

Rob - I use mine on deck floors when it's really windy. It really works well. I'm not really sure how it would work on a roof though. It is designed to work with the Deckster II which I have. Not sure again how it would work with an airless. The best thing is that you can spray and back brush with the same tool.

Rob - Hw did you apply it? I have a job coming up using Cabots solid. I was planning on spraying the rails and rolling the floor. If you sprayed it, was over spray a problem? Thanks, Brian

I was reading an article in This Old House magazine about the correct process on how to restore an old deck. The guy that was featured in the article said he uses a car wash mitt to apply sealer to the spindles and handrails. Has anyone ever tried this technique? If so, how well did it work?

Reed - could you send me a copy of your sf calculating spreadsheet? My email address is decksetc@ameritech.net Thanks, Brian

What are the preferred colors of Wood Tux on different woods? For example Lt. Brown Ready Seal is preferred on Cedar and Natural Cedar is preferred on pressure treated pine. :irritated

On The Grime Scene website it says it will clean concrete, brick, wood/vinyl siding, fiberglass, canvas, metal, wood decks and even carpet. No mention of Asphalt singles. I believe you are right about it being a percarb since it is only good for about an hour after mixed. Call Beth.

Here is the link. http://store.yahoo.com/sunbrite/hurricanebrush.html

I also have the Hurricane brush and love it. I never just spray floors anymore. It's quick because you can spray and back brush with the same tool.

I know the self-life of unopened containers is indefinite but as for opened containers I'm not sure. If I had to guess I would say it's pretty long. The chemical reaction doesn't happen until you add water. So, as long as you keep it dry is should last quit a long time. After mixed with water it is only good for about 7-8 hours.