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How do I clean my deck?
I am planning on cleaning my deck with a power washer and restaining it. What products should I use to clean, stain, and seal it? It is just a plain wood deck.
Do It Yourself (DIY) - 7 Answers - 2008-03-02 14:32:00

Best Answer
When my Redwood decks start looking faded I start by using a deck cleaner mixed with a little dish soap. Most deck cleaners do the same thing so I don't have a favorite. Make sure the deck stays wet while you're cleaning it. I used to use a power washer, but a garden hose with good pressure and most importantly, a good floor brush with stiff bristles works equally well. Clean the deck by scrubbing it and then spray it off really well. Let it dry for a few days. In the morning before the deck gets too hot, apply the stain. I use an oil-based semi-transparent stain from Sherwin Williams called "Deckscapes". You'll find out that the oil-based stains last longer than the water-based ones. Some good stains are Thompsons, Cabot, Sherwin Williams, but don't use Behr! One coat should do the trick, but that depends on the condition of the wood. You can find these stains in a variety of wood colors. There are deck sealants available, but these stains that I mentioned are stains and sealants, so one coat usually does it all. Enjoy your deck!

All Answers
Answer 1
You're in for it. If the wood is fairly new, I suggest sanding, as opposed to washing.Whatever process you use to achieve satisfaction of appearance, remember to mitigate any chemical affect you imparted. Sanding imparts none. Various chemical cleaners advertise wonderous properties, yet my experience is otherwise. As for re-staining, almost any quality stain will work. Now for the hard part: the sealer. Consider the main enemy of any finish is the sun. No getting around it. Any professional worth his reputation will reccommend a very heavy-bodied paint, applied two or three times. If you wish a clear finish, polyurethane or varithane or some type of clear resin will work, with this caveat: maintenance will be required to keep this finish looking good.
2008-03-02 14:52:50

Answer 2
There are a number of products at DIY centers. The product you use will be dependent upon what you are trying to remove. Whether it be for moss and organic growth, oil, road grime etc... there are different products for each. If you have plants and scrubs close by... make sure you get the non toxic kind and organic so as not to kill the grass on run off. To stain... any full body exterior stain will work as well as sealer. But if any stains are remaining after cleaning... A total cover stain should be used. As far as brand names.. Cabot, Thompsons etc..
2008-03-02 14:55:15

Answer 3
If you use a power washer go very lightly, lowest setting. A power washer can damage a deck. There are solutions you can use too that will brighten up your deck. Do NOT seal it. Sealing it with polyurethane, varnish or something similar that will product a film finish will be a major headache down the road. As far as staining. UV (Sunlight) caused the most damage. The best stains for protection are whats called solid color stains. They do not let much of the wood show through except for the texture but they offer the best protection. Semi transparent are next best. They show off the wood while giving fair protection. Clear or lightly tinted stains offer the least protection. Those are generalizations of course and quality of the product and the addition of a UV inhibitor will effect what your result will be as well. A great brand is Sikkens. Cabots is also popular and well regarded. Behr is junk. See http://www.nam.sikkens.com/product-category3.cfm?product_category=deck
2008-03-02 15:49:00

Answer 4
When my Redwood decks start looking faded I start by using a deck cleaner mixed with a little dish soap. Most deck cleaners do the same thing so I don't have a favorite. Make sure the deck stays wet while you're cleaning it. I used to use a power washer, but a garden hose with good pressure and most importantly, a good floor brush with stiff bristles works equally well. Clean the deck by scrubbing it and then spray it off really well. Let it dry for a few days. In the morning before the deck gets too hot, apply the stain. I use an oil-based semi-transparent stain from Sherwin Williams called "Deckscapes". You'll find out that the oil-based stains last longer than the water-based ones. Some good stains are Thompsons, Cabot, Sherwin Williams, but don't use Behr! One coat should do the trick, but that depends on the condition of the wood. You can find these stains in a variety of wood colors. There are deck sealants available, but these stains that I mentioned are stains and sealants, so one coat usually does it all. Enjoy your deck!
2008-03-02 16:24:50

Answer 5
They make a Deck Cleaner for Treated Wood, to use with a Deck Spayer or Pressure washer, use the Pressure Washer easy! Sherwin Willliams has the best Stain that I have used , I paid $25.00 a Gallon But, it lasted 4 1/2 Years,Sun does most damage.Steve R
2008-03-02 16:41:32

Answer 6
lets make it simple: pressure wash and seal it with Thompson deck sealer . ( go for it)
2008-03-02 17:05:57

Answer 7
If you are using a power washer, go easy. Using the wrong nozzle on the end can actually damage the wood. One thing you didn't mention is the kind of wood you're deck is made of. Some woods (like pressure treated and cedar) will turn a grey color in the sun and weather. Since you already have a stain down, that's probably not an issue for you but it wouldn't hurt to use a deck cleaner anyway. This will ensure that the deck is good and clean before you apply your stain. After cleaning the deck, wait at least 48 hours for the deck to thoroughly dry before applying your stain. Now for the stain. You indicated your deck is already stained but you didn't say whether it is semi-transparent or solid. If it's solid, then you have to go with a solid stain. In either case, most (if not all) stains have a sealer in them so you don't need to seal the deck as a seperate step. You may want to think about doing a light sanding on the deck first because using a power washer may rais the grain of the wood. Once you have done this, apply the stain according to the package and let dry at least 24-48 hours before using. You should not apply stain when the temperature is going to be below 60 degrees in any 24 hour period.
2008-03-03 09:12:54