HD 80 vs Strip XL

[ABM2958 14]

Hello to all. I'm fairly new here but have read quite a bit of the past posts and learned some valuable information, so thanks to everyone for that!

I am currently stripping a deck that I had previously done about six years ago with a blend of Cabot Clear Solution cedar and clear.

The wood is pressure treated and I had started the work using Strip Xl, which had been my chemical of choice in the past, but then yesterday tried for the first time some HD 80 on another section. I would say that the HD 80 worked ok but only after I mixed it a little stronger than the first application which was mixed to 8 ounces per gallon. I applied it around the house and away from the siding with a masonry brush and then sprayed on the rest. I let it dwell for about 20 minutes and misted the surface once during this period. I found that it took most of the stain out but left some residue so I stopped and made my mix hotter by adding additional HD 80, I would say another half cup or so per gallon. I then re-brushed near the house and sprayed again but this time followed up with a deck brush and worked all of the surfaces a little bit to get it worked under what was lifting. I found that this mix worked much better and the wood was coming clean with less "working" on the surface while washing.

I've read on here that some polypropelene glycol can be added to the mix to make it a little stronger and wondered what product would be recommended? My initial thought would be to add some rv anitfreeze unless there is something better?

I was also wondering what the general best practice for application would be? For the Strip XL I generally brush on with the masonry brush near the house and then use a deck brush out of a pail for other surfaces. I've found this to be very effective at removing everything the first application but would like to make a total switch to the HD 80 because it is a lot more cost effective if I can get it to work without having to apply it multiple times.

I have several other decks to do in the near future and most of them have the Cabot product on them as they are all ones that I have done in the past so I'll take any guidance and apply it to get a better feel for this product.

Thanks

[PressurePros 249]

Polypropolene glycol is sold at automotve stores as "safe" or "environmentally friendly" antifreeze. Read the label as most are ethylene glycol. You could also add butyl to the mix which makes the mix very potent. We apply this mix via downstreamer and it takes off oils like the Cabot's very well. I'm surprised to hear 8 oz per gallon applied direct did not strip it. Prewet siding and apply your stripper via a Shurflo style pump.

[ABM2958 14]

Thanks for the response. I'll give the butyl a shot tomorrow.

One other question: when you are downstreaming does the HD 80 mixture stay the same or are you mixing it heavier?