apom

What's SH? So far bleach hasn't wiped these guys out...

I haven't measured but it's a a pretty big driveway. I would say it's in the 800-1000sqft range. Not a small project by any means. So you think bleach and water will wipe the ants out? The sand that turns hard like concrete sounds ideal.

Hey everyone Looking to help my parents to fix there driveway. It's a patio stone paver driveway. about 14 years old hasn't really had any proper maintenance or cleaning ever. First problem is there is an ant problem. The ants are removing the sand from under the pavers and making them sink. 2) oil stains. I was told BT200 works good for this. My plan is to use something for the ants. (Any suggestions?) power-wash with a rotary nozzle and BT200. Then Sweep fine sand into the joints to replace whatever was removed. Finish off with a sealer. First time doing this so any tips and suggestions would be appreciated.

wow the manufacture is right around the corner from me. Does this work well for old stains? Will I be ok with a cold pressure washer or should I rent a hot one? Also what does everyone recommend for sealing it?

interlocking stone driveway. Has heavy oil and transmission oil stains. What's everyone recommend to clean this mess up? I need something strong. I'm also planning on putting a high gloss "wet look" sealant on it after.

Finally finished it yesterday!! I can't believe how much work it was to strip a solid. Well worth the effort though. The deck looks so much better. Thanks everyone for the help. For the stain I went with Cabot ATO 3400 formula in amberwood.

Hey guys I'm almost at the stain step. I installed all the balusters and power washed the deck on a low setting on Wednesday. I just used plain water, nothing else. There are a few dark patches on the deck. You can see them picture 5. I don't know if this is mold or from to much sun? Anyways sanding did not get rid of it. How do I proceed? Can I put a bit of oxiclean on the spots and then rinse it off? Or do I need a deck cleaner or brightner? So far the only locally available products are Thompsons deck clean and brightner and 'eco wash' products made by concrobium. It's to late in the season for me to order stuff over the internet.

Here are some pics after the majority of the stripping has been done. There is still a few spots that the floor sander missed that I have to remove with the hand sander. I still need to install the railings and decided on if I want to put a clear oil stain on it (more maintenance) or a light yellow semi solid cabot oil stain.

bigchaz Nope I tossed the lattices. It would have been possible to sand them with a dremel attachment but that's to much work for sure. Chemical stripper costs more then the lattice so out they went. Replacing them with wooden balusters/spindles. Thanks for the sand paper recommendation I would have sanded it with 100 tomorrow if I didn't read this. After reading this I'm glad I only did a light pass with 80 on the floor. Rod thats to bad. Why did the guy even hire you guys if he thinks he knows best. He probably thought you guys were inexperienced. Did you show him pictures of decks you've done in the past? at least you explained it to him.

Yep I went 24,36 and then 80 to finish up the floor. Will use 100 to finish up the railings.. The question though is do I have to wash the deck after to remove the saw dust or can I just sweep it and stain? For anyone wondering the drum sander with a high grit paper works great for tough stripping jobs. But its really aggressive so maintain a steady pace when using it and always lift the handle at they very end of every pass. Do not let it run in one spot because it will cause damage! 10 seconds is enough to cause serious damage. It goes without saying but sand with the grain. If the boards are set horizontally then don't even think about going vertically.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I will defn try it next time and save myself the 2 weeks of sanding and $100s on products from the box stores. I attached some before pictures for anyone interested. Pictures after it was sanded will be posted tomorrow. Quick question before I move onto the staining. Do I have to wash the deck? I sanded it 4-5 days ago. I read that I should wash it because saw dust may have clogged the poors and this will effect the ability of the stain to penetrate the wood.

Hey bigchaz, thanks i'll try that. I might put some circa wood stripper in between first. I already took all the hand rails off. I'm saving the rails and posts. I got a drum sander the other day and it's doing an ok job of stripping. It's still leaving some spots there. I guess the woods not even and it can't get it or its just on really thick on those spots.

Ok after trying to best chemicals out there i have gone back to the sanding method. Getting 3 coats of paint and stain off is tough. After I have done all the edges and sanded the floor what about the paint in between the cracks and the nail holes?

Fixed.. Any ideas for chemicals to try? I need some serious stuff to get this finish off. What about a heat gun?

Hey, Nope not a contractor. The temps are in the 50s to 60s. I only have a cold pressure washer.