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Keep Strippers and Cleaners Working
Insects and spiders are about the only things I've seen that'll stay put on a vertical surface. In contrast, strippers run down vertical surfaces easily. The only way to keep the stripper in contact with the wood is to constantly go back with your applicator and smear the stuff to the top.
You only need to keep the stripper in contact with the wood for 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
Mixing Your Cleaner
Many deck cleaners are concentrated and require additional water. Stir the mixture with a clean piece of wood and put the top back on. Pump the sprayer until you feel resistance (usually about 25 pumps or so). Then grab the wand and spray the solution on the deck surface. Wait about 15 minutes before you start to scrub. After scrubbing, flush the surface with your garden hose sprayer until the deck looks clean. It's best to work small sections at a time; otherwise, the solution will dry before you get a chance to scrub the surface with a stiff brush.
Apply a Good-Quality Finish
Let your deck dry for a couple of days before applying a sealer or stain. For our deck railing, we applied a semitransparent oil stain mixed to match the siding of the house. We brushed it on and carefully cut in around the deck boards. We didn't want a colored stain on the deck boards, so we applied CWF, a clear finish/ sealer made by Flood Co. This finish looked great and gave the decking a warm, fresh look. Avoid using stain on the deck boards because they quickly show wear.
Keep an eye on your deck and be prepared to clean and reseal it every couple of years. The longer you wait, the more weather-related damage can occur.
Buyer's Guide
Cleaners, strippers, stains and sealers are available at most home centers and lumberyards. For product information and where to find deck cleaners and strippers, try these manufacturers:
Cabot Stains: 800-877-8246. www.cabotstain.com
Duckback Products: 800-825-5382. www.superdeck.com
The Flood Co.: 800-321-3444. www.floodco.com
GE Silicones WeatherMate: 800-275-4372. www.gesealants.com
Olympic: 800-441-9695. www.olympic.com
Thompson's Deck Wash: 800-367-6297. www.thompsonswaterseal.com/products/cleaners.asp
Wolman Wood Care Products: 800-556-7737. www.wolman.com
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