Oxygen Bleach & Synthetic Water Repellents

There is an enormous amount of suffering that is experienced each spring. Homeowners go out onto the decks that they cleaned and sealed the year before. The deck surfaces are either gray, black, peeling, or in some other state of finish failure. In many instances, it is not caused by neglect on the homeowners' part. Quite to the contrary! Many homeowners like you embark on a quest each spring to find the deck sealer that works. Well, your journey is near its end! I believe I have found for you several deck sealers that outperform those miserable products you have been using.

Forget About Films

The May, 1999 issue of Consumer Reports has another follow-up story on their on-going test of deck care products. You have to look very closely at the comments to understand what is really happening. There are only three products that they still recommend. Based upon their comments, and what I know about one of the three products, it appears that all three are film formers. Two of the products apparently are opaque. This word usually indicates that the product contains lots of pigment - like paint. Since you can't see through the pigment to the wood grain, then the pigments must be up on the surface.

Solid color products are not usually what people want in a deck care product. They want to see the wood grain. You can only get this with clear and semi-transparent products. Film forming products will eventually fail. When they do, the job of removing them will convince you never again to use a film former.

Clean After Stripping

If you have to strip a finish off of your deck, it is important to deep clean the wood after the stripping process. Some harsh chemical strippers can leave behind residual chemicals that can interfere with the new deck care products you intend to use. Look at the stripper directions and rinse the deck and scrub it to make sure all of the stripper is gone. I would rinse and scrub twice if it were mine.

Oxygen Bleach

Washing a deck with oxygen bleach is just about the best way to get wood prepared for a deck sealer or penetrating water repellent. The oxygen bleach is non-toxic and helps to open the pores of the wood to accept the new deck care products.

Oxygen bleach is easy to apply. It will not strip off film forming products, but will deep clean wood that is covered with mildew, algae, or other oil finishes. The powdered bleach simply mixes with water. You apply it with a mop or pump sprayer and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Scrub it with a scrub brush on a pole and you will not believe your eyes. After you rinse it with a standard garden hose, the wood looks brand new. The oxygen bleach does not hurt the wood, you, or any plants.

You can purchase oxygen bleach several ways. I feel the best place to buy it is from me! I sell it for less than anyone. You can buy it online or you can call us at 513-407-8727. All you need to know is that 2 lbs. of the oxygen bleach will make enough solution to clean about 500 sq. ft. of deck surface.

Synthetic Water Repellents

Do you want the best deck sealant? Then you must buy one that contains no natural oils. You need a synthetic resin water repellent. After you read about the great strippers in a few moments, you will see a link that takes you to a past bulletin that contains information about synthetic resins deck sealers. Two very good ones are Defy and the TWP 101 product.

I used Defy on my front and side porch over three years ago. The side porch has no cover on it, faces southwest, and is under a tree. It gets harsh winter sun. The color has faded ever so slightly and there is no algae or mildew whatsoever. I am sold on synthetic deck care products. When you use them, you will be too. I guarantee it!

NOTE FROM TIM CARTER - Founder of AsktheBuilder.com - posted October, 2016: I no longer would apply Defy deck sealer to any exterior wood that I own at my own home.

Companion Articles:  Wood Deck Strippers,  Strip Finishes Off Decks

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