Deck and Log, Cedar or Redwood Home Stripping: Breaking the bond

The science involved in removing an unwanted coating from your deck or wood home lies in the ability to effectively change the pH of it. By doing this, you're making the coating let go of the wood so it can be easily removed by rinsing. A specifically formulated solution applied to all areas where an unwanted coating is present will do this. Once a consistent darkening of the wood is present on the entire structure, only then is a pressure washer used as a rinse aid to finish this step. This is called speed rinsing which uses a lower pressure method to obtain the desired results.

The second step is to follow with the application of a neutralizer/brightener which stops the action of the product used in step one. This will bring the wood back to its natural color and pH. Then a thorough second rinse is applied to finish removal of any residue from the wood and surrounding areas.

Wood should only be exposed to this two step process once in order to remove the existing coating. Once the second step is completed, repeating the process can cause excessive dryness in the wood and further its degradation.

Those who don't completely understand how to restore wood and haven't been certified as educated in the proper use of wood restoration solutions and pressure washers, should understand going forward that what may be inflicted on the wood may not be completely reversible. The products available in local stores known to contractors as consumer strength are less effective in comparison to contractor grade products. The directions given on the labels do not always apply to the situation one may need them for and may not produce the desired results on another manufacturer’s product.

Information on different wood species and the way the product may interact with them is not readily available. Subsequently, the number of homeowners calling for professional help to restore decks damaged in the attempt to do it themselves using these products has risen significantly. At the same time, the monetary outlay necessary to correct the condition inflicted by the well intentioned but inexperienced homeowner who was trying to save money only increases when the damage becomes irreversible and replacement becomes necessary.

Our ability to remove up to 98% of an existing coating in the first attempt is consistent.

Products such as ABR X-100, Behr, Cabot, Cuprinol (now Deckscapes), CWF/UV, Defy, Menwood, Olympic, Penofin, Perma Chink, Ready Seal, Sikkens, Superdeck, Timberjack, TWP, Wolman and more have been successfully removed by See Dirt Run!™ using a system of specifically designed wood restoration products. According to our customers, there are an overwhelming number of local companies attempting to perform this service that haven't been able match this track record.

The education and certification received by See Dirt Run!™ Inc. from the PWNA, in conjunction with USDA forestry labs information and research, informs us that minimizing any wood structures exposure to the stripping process will help it to have a longer life expectancy. Installing a product that requires routine cleaning and maintenance coating only as often as every two years for the horizontal surfaces will help your wood to stay protected and last longer. Product installed on vertical surfaces such as log homes, wood siding, deck railing, privacy walls and fences and lattice will last longer but may require touch ups in order to provide a uniform look. Subjecting your wood to more frequent cleaning or stripping can speed up the drying and shrinking of the wood causing it to prematurely age and deteriorate.

Avoid damage to your deck, log or wood sided home!

Some companies proclaim the need to subject your deck or wooden home to the stripping process twice in order to accomplish the task correctly. This would be considered novice experience in the field of wood restoration by its peers. Additionally, those who claim to use just water or hot water, bleach or FDA approved acids in their methods may not be aware of the potentially serious drawbacks to any wood species subjected to these processes. The use of hot water, bleach, and high pressure only are inconsistent with the PWNA certification training as suggested by the USDA forest labs and will not accomplish safe wood stripping or even qualified routine cleaning for that matter.

Although well intended on their part, lack of education, training, experience, well rounded wood knowledge, and foresight will not support what some companies claim to be able to provide. The result to the uninformed consumer is likely to mean more frequent service and monetary outlays for maintenance of their outdoor structures than should be necessary and the potential need for damage reversal measures or wood replacement.

Many consumers are unaware that clear sealers offer minimal or no UV protection to keep your wood from turning grey and require more frequent stripping and re-installation which can shorten the life expectancy of exterior wood. Installing a semi-transparent stain aka tinted or toned offers better UV protection for your wood while allowing the appreciation of its natural beauty. Semi-solid and solid color stains offer the best UV protection for those who like the look.Pressure washing your home's brick or siding is equally important, as are other wooden items such as fences, gazebos, and playground equipment. We're certified by the PWNA in Wood Restoration & Preservation.