What to use

[Trace]

Guys and Gals,

Wifes boss wants approx. 225 running ft. of pressure treated lattice fence cleaned, no stain or sealer on it been up about 4-6 yrs wants it cleaned to stain and seal. not much into wood so i told him i would do it pro-bono less materials and fuel just for the know how. what would i use to clean the wood? and how would you apply it? I would think with a pump up a lot would get lost in the air, or do you just figure for the loss, and with a brush or roller it would take forever. Any help is always appreciated.




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[Mike Hughes]

What material you lose by spraying is worth it compared to the time/labor lost by doing it by hand.

I always spray cleaners and brightners onto decks.......but, when it comes to sealing, there are occasions I seal a deck by hand, no spraying.

This job will be fairly easy, since no stain has been applied to it.

I don't have time for detail here, but try searching the deck BBS for ideas of cleaners. Some people use bleach (sodium hyprochlorite), mixed with other detergents......others feel bleach is no good.

Alternatively, a product that uses oxygenated bleach would work well.........they usually come in a powder form and you mix it up. Some of them claim you don't have to brighten/neutralize them afterwards........

Make sure you use less pressure........about 1500 or less. I use larger tip sizes to reduce the pressure.



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Mike Hughes
Everclear
Souderton, PA

 

[Craig Knight]

Trace,

Mike is right on. I am a bleach user on wood when a stain is going to be used. Mix you some bleach and water 50/50 if using household bleach. If you have a chemical tank and shurflo, use it to throw it on the fence. Come behind and use a 40 degree fan that is sized for a lot of gpm's. Clean the fence. The bleach will kill the mold and mildew and make the wood white or whiter than just a cleaning solution. Obviously, white wood will take a colored stain and look better. Be sure and pre spray the surrounding plants and vegetation, and rinse it down after cleaning, but before it has a chance to dry on plants, which will limit chance of harming them. I have never had a problem with bleach hurting vegetation, but there is a chance. Rinse the fense well also. If there is flower beds along the fence, then just cover the flowers and get after it. If you have any questions you can give me a buzz. 281-361-8196

Craig

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Craig Knight
www.powerwashunlimited.com