To ensure you perform the steps properly and not sand your wood bare, here are three ways to maintain it.
Sanding
Sanding new wood brings many benefits, such as opening its pores for effective stain soaking. Old wood will have many obvious benefits through sanding. Any homeowner can sand down their deck using 80-100 grit sandpaper. Exposing the fresh wood and opening its pores make staining easier and quicker. Homeowners with floor sanders can sand down their entire decks effectively.
Cleaning
Cleaning wood for optimal restaining is different from sanding. It involves water and chemicals that wash over and reduce the aged finish to prepare it for restaining. Pressure washer rinsing helps remove loose finish, prepare the lumber for staining, and remove all soapy residue for maximum proper cleaning. Alternatively, some harsher cleaning chemicals, such as trisodium phosphate, can remove old finish that doesn't adhere to the wood.
Oxalic Acid
Chlorine bleach can completely clean finishes, but it can cause damage to the lumber's core material. Oxalic acid is a reliable alternative to it because it wouldn't harm wood while removing layers of finish on the wood. You can use strippers to complete the job efficiently while the oxalic acid loosens it. Most maintenance and staining professionals will dry the wood for a few days before restaining it.
If you need excellent lumber for your deck, siding, moulds, trusses, and other purposes, you can always count on Tamarack Lumber to provide top-notch lumber in Oakville from the best suppliers and processing plants in the country. Contact us today to learn more.