Neutralize - HD-80

[Tim Smith 14]

does HD-80 always have to be neutralize?

I strip this deck with HD-80 and I always neutralize with oxalic acid, but

my customer wants me to use a latex outdoor stain (sherman Williams) - Coupenal (mispelled).

So there is no need to brighten the wood, but will the HD-80 harm the sealant.

I know that with Ready Seal - when using HDd-80, you need to neutralize real good.

[Johny 14]

Using x-jet you can neutralize entire deck in 5 minutes or less,why not?

Johny

[joesgrill 14]

i always neutralize for the purpose of making sure all stripper and detrgent is gone completly i think it would be in your best interest so you dont get a call back for stain,latex failing in certain areas of the deck next season.i use oxalic

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

Yes, you need to neutralize after using HD-80 unless you are applying a product that wants the pH to be more alkaline. I only know of one product like that to date, Spa N Deck.

[Aplus 525]

Don't forget the brightening aspect. Cedar for example, darkens when a caustic is applied. Aside from the neutralizing, I think the brightening is just as important.

[Tim Smith 14]

Johnny

I love the x-jet - its awesome with washing houses - I use it all the time, but

I just can't bring myself to spray Oxalic Acid on a deck with an x-jet.

Overspray - Oxalic Acid is not something you want all over a home.

I know - rinse very well before spraying - it will still damage over time.

[Aplus 525]

Using an xjet to spray caustics or acids is like hunting chipmunks with a shotgun filled with buck shot.

[Johny 14]

Guys

Using x-jet has eliminated my need for buying pump up sprayers,i used to spend a fortune on those.

#1 I only use citric,spray all over the place no problem

#2 I use close range attachment,no overspray

I can't see myself brightening with a pump up of shurflo

As far as caustics i apply those too to the deck with a close range,learned it from Steven Rowlett,ask him

Johny

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

ROFLMAO :)

Tony.... chipmunks...shotgun...good analogy.

Safety first for the property and the people.

Beth

[Paul B. 523]

I'm kind of in the same boat as some of the other folks - even though I'm a safety nut - my X-Jet close-up attachment has a very controlled spray pattern (not in windy conditions of course). The only drawback is the 1:3.2 dilution in some cases (I need to fix that and get it to 1:1.6 ratio).

We spray neutralizer/ brightener without any issues (so far) but have refrained from spraying strippers. We also use it to spray cleaner and brightener on concrete. The wind is a problem, but it's a problem with a pump-up or a Shur-flo also.

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

Is the attachement for the x-jet the kind where you can adjust the spray pattern like you can on the electric sealer units? I'm curious.... that would be a good thing.

Beth

[Tim Smith 14]

I like having control of my chemicals - seems like you would waste a lot of chemical with x-jet on decks.

Is that old thing Labor vs Chemical Cost

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

We never use an x-jet for decks. Only for house washing. I was just curious if you could tighten or widen the pattern.

[Paul B. 523]

It depends on the product.

I just purchased a bunch of shelf closing Wolman brighteners at $1.97 per 2.25# (normally sells for $14.99). How much could I waste in $$$ ? However, I wouldn't use it with the Prosoco EK Masonry Cleaner at $130 plus per 5 gallons at 75-150 sq ft per gallon.

You have to choose your weapon properly. If you only have 1 tool it's not much of a choice. Unlike in large industry, I teach people to think and learn instead of making everything idiot proof.

Beth,

No the close-up is not adjustable, but it's a 1/4" meg nozzle like the ones on a surface cleaner except large opening (4030). You could increase or decrease the hole diameter which would change the draw rate. You could go to a 4015 which would maintain your draw rate and reduce your pattern width.

Unless the adjustable nozzle was calibrated with stops it would be difficult to know what your draw ratio was at any given time. They do make fixed stop, adjustable injectors that could be made to work with some modifications.

We use an extension wand with the X-Jet at times (hard to reach places), then for better control near large louvers we will attach the close-up attchment (keeps chemicals and water out of the attic).

[Johny 14]

Like i said i use citric ,no safety issues,no harm to property.No wasted chemical,i mix 20 oz per gal,2 -3 gallons brighten average size deck,could be much less,i just like to neutralize the heck out of it and make sure nothing is missed.5 Minutes or 30 make a big difference to me,i like to wash 2-3 houses a day and still have time for estimates

Johny