Hello,
I live in the Des Moines area, and my deck is on the north side of the house. The deck is approximately 2 years old, and constructed of cedar (beams, handrails, and spindles), composite (decking), and pt (joists and posts). The deck has never been stained nor sealed. Of course, the cedar has grayed (see pictures). I wish to clean, stain, and seal the cedar and PT. The composite just needs a light cleaning, and I do not want to stain or seal the composite. The deck has approximately 80 linear feet of hand railing.
I have been reading through these forums and others, and would like to get some advice on products to use, and opinions on what I think the process should include. In general, I would opt for less caustic/toxic/potentially harmful options. Here is my plan so far:
1) Clean using a percarbonate based solution.
Since there is no previous stain or sealant, this type of cleaner should suffice, correct? Any recommendations on a particular product (EFC-38, RAD, wood deck cleaner from the chemistry store, other)?
Do I need to use a pressure washer to wash off the solution? Would a hose and brush work? I’m unsure if it is required or just easier/faster with a pressure washer.
2) Brighten.
Can I just use citric acid or a mixture, and what product would you recommend (citralic, RAD, or straight citric acid from chem. store)?
How dry must the wood be before starting this step? In other words, how long must I wait between cleaning and brightening?
Do you wash off the brightener or just let it dry?
3) Stain and seal.
I’ve spent considerable time searching on various options. I’ve used a linseed oil base product on a fence before, and it turned into a nightmare. I’ve helped friends strip other types of solid stain and waxy horror shows; thus, I want to choose a quality product.
Obviously, I am looking for something that holds up well, but also will not be a huge project for subsequent maintenance or removal. I would like a light stain with a color similar to natural cedar with a little more red. As examples, Ready Seal med red or Wood Tux western cedar.
I have been leaning towards Wood Tux, or Ready Seal because they seem to be of high quality, the general consensus is positive, and they seem to have the fewest failures. On another forum, Wood Tux was being discouraged because of difficulties in application (some parts shiny others parts dull). Can Wood Tux be properly applied by a homeowner? What is the process?
What other stain/sealers would you recommend?
Another general question I have is if I can apply the cleaner, brightener, and sealer with brushes or pads. It is very windy in my area, and if I use a sprayer, I would have to cover a large area of the house on two sides of the deck, and two levels. Also, given that I am only doing handrails and the support structure, spraying would be rather wasteful.
Sorry, for the long post, and I appreciate any advice or comments. Thanks,
MJ
