After you have put away your patio furniture and raked the leaves it is time to winterize your deck. Here are two steps that will keep your wood deck looking good assure many years of enjoyment.
Step 1 - Clean your deck
You want restore the wood to its natural beauty without bleaching or yellowing. Use a fast-acting formula, such as Wolman® DeckBrite™ Wood Cleaner & Coating Prep powder or liquid concentrate that will loosen and lift dirt, stains and discolorations in just a few minuets. Just mix them in water, spray on, brush in and rinse off with a garden hose. It is acid- and chlorine-free, oxygen-powered yet safe to use near plant life and shrubs. Best of all it is formulated to restore all woods - even tannin-rich woods like cedar, redwood, mahogany and other exotic hardwoods.
If the wood has been previously coated it is best to strip any faded or deteriorating finishes. Use a product that removes both oil and latex solid or semi-transparent stains and clear finishes and prepares your deck for a reapplication of water-repellent finishes and stains.
Step 2 - Water protect your deck
Select a product that is formulated to stop rain, sleet, snow and ice from penetrating wood surfaces. Water-repellent coatings minimize water damage such as splitting or warping. These products can offer a guarantee against water damage, and provide long-lasting protection, so you won't have to reapply a new coat year-after-year.