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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely! Do as little cleaning as you can get away with. There is no need to use Woodrich Brand cleaners each time you oil your deck. As long as you have a clean even surface to work with you are good to go.
No. Copper 8 quinolinolate is used as an antifungal agent sometimes used in mass produced coatings like you might find in big box stores.
Woodrich Brand utilizes a premium, broad spectrum, non-metallic fungicide which is effective against a wide variety of fungal organisms. This product is based on the active ingredient IPBC and has been jungle tested and proven highly effective against the most common types of molds and mildew that might try to attack your outdoor wood.
Iodopropynyl Butyl Carbamate (IPBC) is a water-soluble preservative used globally in the paints & coatings, wood preservatives, personal care, and cosmetics industries. IPBC is a member of the carbamate family of biocides.
If it’s possible, it is better to rinse off the brightener. The brightener rinses very easily. You do not need a powerwasher, you can easily flush the surface with a garden hose. If you don’t have access to water to rinse the brightener, go ahead and apply the stain.
If it has separated it will likely not recombine. Contact project support. (636)288-8512
Fist time coverage should be around 150 square feet per gallon. Because this is a penetrating stain, it is not designed to create layers on the surface. The idea is to get the wood to absorb as much product as possible so there is no room for moisture to get into the wood.
Absolutely! This won’t be as dark as if you had applied the Signature Brown first. It will give you a darker color with “depth” to it and some red undertones. The key here is not to over apply. If you see areas that have not dried after about 30 minutes remove the excess with a dry rag.
A couple of hours in ideal conditions. Its always best to test it before allowing traffic from the deck onto clean floors inside. You can lay down temporary cardboard or similar material of you just need to cross the deck for access.
Its more like one heavy application. You want to let the wood absorb as much of the product as possible. If you are using a sprayer and back brush, that will look like several light passes with the sprayer, allowing the wood to absorb stain until it starts rejecting it. Then using the back brush to lay it out.
EFC-38 will not generally harm painted metal surfaces. If the paint is old and oxidized the cleaner may remove some of the surface oxidation.
You can apply the brightener right away after cleaning. If there are puddles of water, try to broom those off before applying the brightener. There is no maximum amount of time you can wait, as long as you apply the brightener at some point before you stain.
Yes, you can usually wait up to about three weeks before the sun will start causing the wood to lost its natural color.
Short Answer:Â 150 square feet
HD-80 should be applied heavily at a rate of about 150 square feet per gallon. The stripper is designed to soften existing stain and sealers to a near liquid consistency. The amount of time this process takes depends on many factors. The type/brand of finish being removed, the number of “coats” or applications, the amount of direct sunlight the wood receives and the amount of time since the last application all play a major role.
HD-80 stripper is only active when it is wet. If the stripper begins to dry before the existing finish has softened enough, more stripper should be sprayed on to keep it wet. This will reduce your effective spread rate.
A high quality oil based exterior stain should be reasonably easy to strip. The “dwell time” or the amount of time the stripper needs to soften it thoroughly is usually about 15 min or less when the temp is about 70 degrees. Under these conditions you can count on that 150 square foot per gallon estimate.
If you are stripping several layers of a cheap water based, or worse a water reducible alkyd based product the dwell time is going to be much longer. Film forming products that crack and peel are often the most difficult to remove. Sometimes you have to keep the surface wet for up to an hour to completely soften all the layers to the point they can be gently power washed off.
If you are doing this work in the direct sun, on a breezy day you are going to have to apply the HD-80 several times in order to keep it wet that entire time. Each time you soak the surface your spread rate is going to be roughly 15o square feet per gallon, however your effective rate for the project might be half that or less.
This is the main reason professional contractors will almost always perform a scratch test to determine how long its going to take to strip the surface and better estimate how much stripper they will need to complete the job. For the DIY community we offer sample test kits so you can determine how easy your wood will be to restore.
Timber Oil has a flat finish.
You can give it a second application after it dries, as long as you wipe off the excess stain with a dry rag.
If you prefer a finish with a bit more luster to it, you can use the Hardwood Wiping Stain. It is okay to use the Hardwood Wiping Stain on any type of exterior wood, such as cedar or pine.
Delivery times vary by location.
To the East Coast, delivery is 2 – 3 days
Midwest delivery is typically 1 – 2 days
The West Coast can take up to 3 – 4 days
Alaska is 4 days
Hawaii is 5 days
Canada is anywhere from 3 – 6 days
Caribbean orders take 5 – 7 days depending on final delivery method
The Citralic can be stored for several days (or longer if needed) after it has been mixed.
Yes. Fence stain application temperature requirements apply to all kinds of projects because these are based on the type of stain.
Yes. Fence stain application temperature is important. You can apply Timber Oil as long as the temperature is above freezing. The stain will take longer to dry in colder temperatures. On the other hand, you need to apply Hardwood Wiping Stain when temperatures are above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you send a picture of your wood project and a description of your desired results (or a sample picture), we can recommend ratios for stain colors. We are happy to make color recommendations for you. We will also provide samples for you to test. Send your pictures to 636-288-8512 or email to [email protected]
No. The stain will not go bad if you mix stain colors.
It is extremely easy to mix stain colors. A simple stick stir will blend them perfectly.
Yes. You can surely mix stain colors together in order to achieve your desired outcome.
Absolutely. You can easily mix and match our colors together in order to produce your own custom color.
All of our wood stain colors come in oil-based formulas.
Woodrich Brand offers Warm Honey Gold, Brown Sugar, Amaretto, Western Cedar, and also Signature Brown as stock wood stain colors.
Our most popular fence stain colors are Brown Sugar for Cedar and pressure-treated wood fences. While Amaretto is the most popular color choice for Ipe wood fences.
Most transparent deck stain colors change and will go on darker and then lighten a bit as they dry. They will usually reach their final color within two or three days after application.
In choosing the best deck stain colors for your pressure-treated wood, consider the following. You like the natural look of pressure-treated wood when it’s damp? Warm Honey Gold or Brown Sugar are great choices. If your wood has a green tint to it from the pressure-treating process, choose the Amaretto color. It will offset that green resulting in a bronzy brown color.
Linseed oil can be used to protect outdoor wood. It helps in order to protect outdoor wood against moisture. However, Linseed oil also becomes a food source for mold and mildew growth. This is an important consideration if your project is located in an area where mold or mildew grows.
Applying a deep penetrating oil-based wood stain is the best way to protect outdoor wood.
Apply an oil-based wood stain with transparent oxide pigments. It is the best way in order to protect outdoor wood furniture.
You can easily clean, restore, and protect outdoor wood furniture. Treat it the same as you would treat a deck or wood siding made of the same species of wood.
Yes. Using exterior wood stains or sealers is an excellent way in order to protect outdoor wood furniture.
Choose the same type of wood finish used for decks or siding made of the same species of wood in order to protect outdoor wood furniture from elements.
For outdoor wood furniture, it is usually easiest to spray the stain onto the wood, give it time to soak it into the wood, and then remove the excess with a dry rag. Really, you can use any method you think is best for your project.
You can use either a deep penetrating stain or a hardwood wiping stain on outdoor pressure-treated wood and pine furniture.
You can use either a deep penetrating wood stain or a hardwood wiping stain on outdoor wood furniture. The penetrating stain will finish more flat where the wiping stain will give the furniture a bit of luster. If your furniture is an exotic hardwood like Teak or Ipe, it is best to stick with the Hardwood Wiping Stain.
We recommend using either the EFC-38 cleaner and mild stripper to remove outdoor wood furniture stain. Use also the HD-80 heavy-duty wood stripper. Then you would follow with the Citralic wood brightener and neutralizer.
If the boat dock is in full sun all year-round, it would be best to check it every year or so. When the finish starts to look dry or faded, it is probably ready for a light application. If it’s a covered dock that receives very little direct sunlight, it will be several years before you’ll need to oil the wood again.
It is okay if the wood is damp (with no puddles) or dry when applying EFC-38. The cleaner could become diluted if the wood has a lot of puddles. Wood that is in the direct sun can become hot to the touch. It is okay to mist the wood with a little water to cool it off before applying the EFC-38. This will help the cleaner stay wet and active longer.
If the fence is facing southwest and is in full sun, all day, you should plan to reapply every 4 or 5 years. The more shade the fence receives, the longer you can go in between maintenance applications.
The VOC level varies but all Woodrich Brand finishes are low VOC.
You normally do not have to sand in between applications.
HD-80 and EFC-38 are both very effective cleaners for concrete and hard surfaces.
Of course you want to follow all of the same safety precautions as when they are used for wood restoration.
Citralic Brightener/Neutralizer will effectively remove rust and other mineral stains from concrete.
For severe concrete stains, you can wet the area and then grind in some of the dry Citralic powder making a thin paste. Allow that paste to dry on the surface and then rinse away. Repeat as necessary.
Sure, rinse the surface with water and allow it to dry. Then you can give the wood another light application. This time around it should not require nearly as much product because you are just freshening up the surface. Wipe any excess product off so you leave the surface damp, but not wet.
I would recommend the EFC-38, followed by the Citralic Brightener/Neutralizer.
That should restore the logs to a fresh cut look. Then you can apply the Timber Oil Deep Penetrating stain. I personally like the Brown Sugar color on fir.
It is fine to apply the brightener while the wood is still damp.
We can ship to Canada.
If you like, you can place your order by phone @ 314-762-8865
We do offer free shipping to Canada. Canadian duties and taxes are charged separately.
It takes 3 days for your shipment to arrive in Naples Florida.
You might receive a message that says “Thanks for your order. It’s on-hold until we confirm that payment has been received” this is just a confirmation email showing what you ordered. You order will be “confirmed” when the packing slip is generated in the next step in processing. Then, when the order has been picked and packed for shipping it goes from on hold to processing. Next your shipping label(s) are generated and your payment method is charged for the order. At this point you will receive another e-mail with your tracking number and receipt.
Normally this entire process happens and your order is picked up by UPS within 24 to 48 hours.
Your order will be picked up from our warehouse about an hour north of St Louis, MO.
If the temperature is in the 70’s its usually safe to walk across the deck with clean shoes after about 2 hours. We don’t recommend scheduling any dance parties for at least a day or two. If the wood is in the full sun, that will help the stain dry a little quicker. When the wood is in the shade, or the temperature is cooler, it can take longer for the stain to dry.
To replace deck furniture before the wood is completely dry, you can use shoe coverings. These slip on covers will prevent you from tracking dirt into the finish.
Older wood that absorbs a lot more oil can also take longer to dry.
There are two restoration kits available. One of them comes with the EFC-38, Environmentally Friendly Cleaner and mild stripper. The other comes with the HD-80 Heavy Duty Stripper. They both come with the Citralic Brightener/Neutralizer.
The basic process is the same whichever combination you choose. For detailed information, you can find a complete how to video here: https://woodrichbrand.com/videos/
In the most basic terms the steps are as follows:
Mix either the EFC-38 or the HD-80 with water at 2/3 cup of powder to 1 gallon water.
Pour into a Pump Style Garden Sprayer and apply to the surfaces you intend to restore.
Perform a scratch test (in several locations) with the scratch stick provided or a stick from the yard to determine when it is time to power wash.
A successful scratch test will allow you to easily expose fresh clean wood with gentle pressure.
The material you are trying to remove should be about the consistency of pudding.
When you have success each time you test, its time to power wash.
Gently power wash all of the surfaces you intend to restore.
When you have finished power washing it is time to apply the brightener/neutralizer.
Mix and apply the brightener/neutralizer the same as you did with the first step.
2/3 cup per gallon of water, mix in bucket, pour into pump sprayer and apply.
Allow the brightener to sit on the wood at least 5 min, longer doesn’t hurt and it doesn’t matter if it dries on the wood.
Give the wood a final rinse. For this step you can use either a garden hose or a power washer.
Allow the wood to dry and it is ready to stain.
Please feel free to contact project support at 636-288-8512 for more detailed information.
*This is not meant to be a comprehensive guide or represent complete usage instructions.
(You must also follow safety procedures, protect adjacent surfaces from over spray and etc.)
For a penetrating oil-based stain, it is safe to assume 150 square feet of surface area per gallon of stain. Get the total surface area of your dock in order to calculate the amount of dock stain needed for it.
The choice between a boat dock stain or paint really comes down to personal preference. If you want a solid color, it’s probably best to go with paint. If you want to enjoy the natural look, choose a penetrating oil-based stain made with transparent oxide pigments.
You can use any Woodrich Brand Stain/Sealer on pressure treated or untreated wood. Woodrich Brand Timber Oil is the easiest siding stain to maintain over time.
Wood siding stains can be either water based or oil-based. Oil-based wood stains tend to last longer on exterior applications.
For wood siding, it is important to choose a deep penetrating stain. It is best to avoid and film-forming products that lay up on the surface and act like paint. Film-forming finishes will tend to crack and peel as the wood expands and contracts with the outside temperature. A high-quality penetrating stain works on the inside and can expand and contract with the wood.
A sprayer is usually the best application tool to use for large surface areas and houses. However, a combination of spraying and back brushing with a large dry brush works well.
There are some differences in the way indoor and outdoor stain is formulated. Generally speaking, it is never a good idea to use an indoor stain outdoors. Outdoor stain can be used for indoor applications. If the wood can be stained outdoors and then brought inside after that stain has fully dried.
When selecting a log home stain color, you can choose whatever color you think looks the best on your logs. Woodrich Brand offers sample color kits. This allows you to test the individual colors yourself and choose whichever you think is best.
For large surface areas, a sprayer is usually the best application tool. A combination of spraying and back brushing with a large dry brush works well.
Woodrich Brand Timber Oil should be reapplied every 3 to 4 years on a south-facing wall in full sun. Surfaces that remains mostly in the shade will last much longer between maintenance applications.
For soft woods, Woodrich Brand Timber Oil performs the best over time. For exotic hardwoods like Ipe or Garapa you should choose Woodrich Brand Hardwood Wiping Stain.
Woodrich Brand Timber Oil should be reapplied every 3 to 4 years on a south-facing fence in full sun. A fence stain that remains mostly in the shade will last much longer.
For large surface areas, a sprayer is usually the best application tool. A combination of spraying and back brushing with a large dry brush works well to apply a fence stain.
Fence stain can be either oil-based or water-based. All Woodrich Brand stain formulations are oil-based.
Woodrich Brand products suit all woodworks. Thus, you can use them on any type of exterior wood project, like fence stain on decking.
As a “rule of thumb”, it’s best to let the wood dry for two days after washing or heavy rain. Although sometimes this is not practical. Woodrich Brand Timber Oil and Hardwood Wiping Stain can both be applied to damp wood. Just give the stain extra time to penetrate the wood. You can also expect the finish to dry more slowly if the wood is not completely dry when you apply the stain.
For exterior wood projects, an oil-based deck stain will usually last the longest.
A deep penetrating, oil-based, deck stain is the best choice for pressure-treated wood. Water-based stain and other film-forming sealers will just lay on top of the surface and fail relatively quickly on pressure-treated wood. When you choose a penetrating stain, be sure to select a product that uses transparent oxide pigments. These micro-ground pigments are ideal for getting down into the wood and to help provide lasting protection.
You can stain any type of wood. It is important to choose the right type of finish for the kind of wood you are working on. In general, a softwood like pine or cedar calls for a deep penetrating stain. Hardwoods like ipe and garapa benefit perform much better with an oil-based wiping stain.
Absolutely! Woodrich Brand uses transparent oxide pigments. So mixing the colors together is extremely easy. We offer sample color kits so that you can test our stock colors. You can also experiment with blends to find the perfect color tone for your project.
You can visit the Gallery page and use the gallery search feature. Type in the kind of wood you have and it will display pictures of the different colors on your type of wood. We also offer a sample color kit that you can order to test the different colors yourself.
Timber Oil deep penetrating stain is a great choice for new and aged pressure treated pine wood. New pine should be cleaned and brightened before staining. The Brown Sugar or Amaretto colors usually look best on pressure treated pine.
We recommend Timber Oil deep penetrating stain for new and aged cedar wood. Timber Oil does an excellent job of penetrating cedar wood. The stain has a high degree of clarity because it is tinted with transparent oxide pigments. It dries very natural and you can still see all of the grain and detail of the wood.
The sooner the better. A new deck will begin to discolor in as little as two weeks when its exposed to the sun. If pollen spores settle into the grain of the wood, they can become a food source for mold or mildew. Staining and sealing the wood will help protect it from the elements. When protecting new wood for the first time it is usually best to clean and brighten the wood prior to applying any finish.
It is easiest to use a pressure washer after the HD-80 has softened the existing finish. For larger jobs, it is a good idea to test the HD-80 first to be sure that it is going to effectively remove your finish. There are sample kits available for testing.
Yes. You neutralize with Woodrich Brand Citralic Brightener / Neutralizer before applying the new stain.
HD-80 is a heavy-duty wood stripper. It is effective at removing most semi-transparent deck stains and sealers. HD-80 is a caustic material. So care should be taken to protect surrounding vegetation such as grass and plants. We also recommend the use of protective clothing to protect the skin and eyes. Woodrich-Brand also manufactures EFC-38 which is a mild stripper that will effectively remove most oil-based semi-transparent deck stains and sealers. If you are not sure which product is best suited for your project, you can order a product sample kit. Then test them each to see which you prefer. You can also contact the Woodrich-Brand project support hotline at 636-288-8512 if you have questions before you order.Â
I believe that you would get better results with a paint stripper. This product works best for removing wood stains and sealers.
No. This product will not effectively remove that finish.
I am not sure this would be the best option for removing latex paint. You might consider trying the sample test kit first to be sure it is going to be effective. If the stripper is effective at removing the old paint, it will not effect the new application, as long as you rinse thoroughly and neutralize after using the stripper.
You should protect the plants from overspray, while applying the HD-80. You can either use a spray shield, or cover the plants while you apply the HD-80
Yes in most cases HD-80 will remove acrylic wood stains. We do have sample kits available if you would like to test it before you buy.
You want to protect your skin and eyes when applying this product..
Yes, it should easily strip a penetrating oil based stain.
Apply HD-80 to a vertical surface by using a pump up sprayer.
No, I don’t believe this is the right type of stripper for your project.
No this product will not work for that application.
HD80 can be used to strip stain from the furniture. You might consider purchasing the test kit first. You need to be sure if it will be effective at removing the specific dark stain on your furniture.
I would recommend starting with the sample kit to test for efficacy.
It is a dry powder. Mix it with water in a five gallon pail, then transfer it to your pump sprayer.
This stripper is most effective at removing wood stains and sealers. This stripper will not remove latex paint. It will remove some oil based paint. There is a sample test kit available. If you are unsure what is on your deck, it is a good idea to test the stripper for effectiveness, before ordering enough to complete the entire job.
For “normal” stripping jobs, you can make 5 gallons of the stripper. Adjust the strength by adding more or less water. The brightener also makes 5 gallons.
This product will “skin over” after it has been opened. This film on the surface protects the product underneath. The surface area of the product that is exposed to air in the container determines the thickness of this skin. In your case, if the bottle was sealed well, I guess that you have at least a quart of stain that can still be used.
Yes, that is the fastest way to apply.
This product will not remove paint that is in good condition. If the aluminum windows are well aged and heavily oxidized, the cleaner may remove some of the surface oxidation. Thus, leaving what looks like either clean or faded areas.
No, this product is not an effective paint remover.
No, HD-80 would be a better choice for that finish removal. Sample test kits are available to help you determine the required product dwell time.
Yes. EFC-38 is a perfect choice for restoring the weathered exterior of log cabins.
This product is designed to be mixed with water and then applied at “full strength” using a pump-up garden sprayer. Injecting the solution using a power washer would dilute the product too much.
It depends on what type of stain it is. This product will remove most true oil based stains and sealers. We also offer a Heavy Duty Stripper called HD-80, for solid stains and other hard to remove finishes.
Use Mineral Spirits in order to clean up.
This stain is not a solid color but rather semi-transparent.
There is a sample chart at woodrichbrand.com. There is also a sample color kit available.
This product can be used to protect cedar wood.
It does not attract bugs, but at the same time, it is not sold as a bug repellent.
Yes. These products work best in order to protect the wood from both.
Yes. Please contact customer support at 866-536-7393 to obtain an MSDS. You can also contact a Project Support Specialist at 636-288-8512. They will help you with this or any other question you have about Woodrich-Brand products or the wood restoration and preservation process in general.
Yes. This product needs mixing with water. This size will make 20 gallons at full strength.
Yes! Wear protective gear when using this product. Read all MSDS and first aid material completely before beginning. Knowing what to do if something goes wrong while using HD-80 will help minimize the risk of serious injury. Keep animals away from areas (confined in home is best) where HD-80 is being used. Keep children and bystanders away while using HD-80.
HD-80 will produce chemical burns on plants and grass and will eventually kill them if precautions are not taken. Spray all vegetation with water that is in the vicinity and cover sensitive plants in close proximity with plastic to avoid exposure.
Yes. You can use HD-80 to clean concrete, vinyl siding, brick, Trex, and also PVC.
Not only will the end result be less attractive, most assuredly the finish you apply will fail prematurely.
Use Citralic Brightener/Neutralizer to brighten up the wood. This helps to neutralize any sodium hydroxide after stripping. Citralic also returns the wood to it’s natural color.
In most cases HD-80 will easily remove mold and mildew. If there is an extreme build up of mold and mildew you can add one cup of bleach per gallon of product. Please note that bleach can damage the wood and should be rinsed as soon as possible. (NEVER mix bleach with EFC-38)
The best method is the dry scratch test. Use a stir stick or similar item to scratch at the finish. When it can easily be removed down to bare wood it is time to rinse.If any stain is still present, reapply HD-80 again until it is easily removed. We recommend that you perform several scratch tests in different areas prior to rinsing.
Depending on the coating you are removing, it can take from just a few seconds to as much as 15 minutes per layer of finish being removed.
The coating will change color and the wood will turn dark. Use a scratch test to determine when the existing finish has been fully emulsified and is ready to strip.
No. HD-80 is stable in solution and has a long shelf life. You can premix it with water into a concentrate for use later. Just dilute it in order to meet your needs.
Mix 8 oz (1/2 LB) per gallon of water for full strength. In dry measure that is about 2/3 cup. You can then dilute it up to 4 to 1 with water depending on the job at hand.
HD-80 works on removing oil based sealants, latex or alkyd stains, semitransparent or solid color stains, polymer/resin based coatings, acrylic based coatings and paint. Removes SIKKENS, BEHR, CABOT, PENOFIN, TWP, CWF, READY SEAL, WOLMAN, OLYMPIC, CUPRINOL, ABR, FLOOD, and some paints.
HD-80 can be used to clean concrete, vinyl siding, brick, Trex and PVC. You can also use EFC-38 as a safe roof cleaner
This product is a kit that comes with both the cleaner and the neutralizer. The green label product is a the brightener/neutralizer.
Each the cleaner and the brightener will cover up to 3000 square feet.
Yes. You can use cold water in order to mix it with.
Yes. You can apply this product to oak, whether white or red and in an exterior application.
Yes and no. You can stain the doors with this product. However, I would not expect it to last very long, more so if the doors are in the direct sun. This product is designed to dive deep into the wood in order to provide lasting protection. Sapele wood is similar to Mahogany. It has a density of about 640 kg/m3 or about 40 pounds per cubic foot. For a hardwood with that density, you might want to consider using a Hardwood Wiping Stain like this: Hardwood Wiping Wood Stain.
You will only need to sand the deck if it rough or splintery. It is important not to over sand the wood.
You can use a roller to apply, however this product is thin and tends to fling if you roll too fast.
You might consider applying the stain to the wood using a pump-up garden sprayer and then laying it out with a stain pad applicator on a pole.
You will not need to apply a sealer later.
Amaretto would probably be the darkest of the stains on most types of wood. The color of the wood itself plays a big part in the final finish color.
Use Mineral Spirits in order to clean up.
Yes it will wipe off as long as the stain has not completely dried on the surface.
Any pump style garden sprayer will work. One with a fan tip will give you more control during application.
You should be good as long as it is not dipping down below freezing.
Yes. You should not apply this stain over an existing finish.
It is not always required that you use this product(s) before staining. It depends on the type of wood and its condition. As well as the type of stain you will be applying to the wood.
You can test your wood to see if it will readily accept stain by sprinkling the surface with water. If the water absorbs quickly into the wood, it is likely that the wood will also accept stain. This is so if you are using a stain that is compatible with the new wood application. Check if the water stands on the surface or beads up when you sprinkle water on the wood. If so, we recommended that you go through the cleaning and brightening process before applying a stain. It is also a good idea to use the cleaner and brightener. That is if you believe your new wood has been outside long enough to be exposed to pollen. Pollen is an excellent food source for mold and mildew.
Finally, if your new wood has been outside long enough to begin turning grey, it is recommended that you use the cleaner and brightener to remove the dead grey wood fibers on the surface. So that your stain finishes evenly and without splotches.Â
Each potted plant stain is different so it is difficult to answer this question directly (absolutely). Most likely yes, following the two step process will remove the stain left by a potted plant. Potted plant stains are usually one or a combination of dirt, “the green stuff” and fertilizer stains. The first will work to deep clean and help remove the dirt and organics. The second step will neutralize the wood and brighten any discoloration caused by contact with fertilizer that has leached from the potted plant. Sometimes potted plant stains can be stubborn and require more than one application of the cleaner and/or brightener. There is a sample test kit available if you prefer to test the efficacy of the products before you purchase enough for the entire job.
Yes. It can so long as the sprayer is compatible with acid. Most sprayers are.
Not harmful for pets if you use common sense and handle it properly. EFC-38 was designed in order to be safe for the user and for the environment.
Nope, unless they are extremely delicate such as lacy ferns or soft petel flowers and they are in direct sunlight. In such cases the water causes the sun to burn the plants. Shake the excess water off to prevent burning.
No, EFC-38 finishes off close to neutral. As long as you rinse well you do not have to use a neutralizer. You may wish to brighten that extra bit to help make your work stand out among the competition.
Use Citralic Brightener/Neutralizer in order to brighten up the wood.
In most cases EFC-38 will easily remove mold and mildew. You should see it work drastically when it comes in contact with mold or mildew. If there is an extreme build up of mold and mildew you can apply additional EFC-38 to fully eradicate the infestation. (NEVER mix bleach with EFC-38)
If you are working on a solid color stain you should be using HD-80. EFC-38 is only going to make the finish nice and clean.
It is going to do it’s job in about 15 min. If you have a stubborn finnish you may allow for additional dwell time keeping the surface wet.
The coating will change color and any mold or mildew should activly fizz up and turn white. Use a scratch test to determine when the existing finish has been fully emulsified and is ready to strip.
Use EFC-38 within a couple of hours from the time of mixing. Beyond that, it loses its effectiveness as a stripper. You should also take care to keep the powder dry when you store it. The shelf life of the dry powder is 6 months so be sure to keep your supply fresh.
Mix 8 oz (1/2 LB) per gallon of water for full stregnth. In dry measure that is about 2/3 cup. You can then dilute up to 4 to 1 with water depending on the job at hand.
EFC-38 works on removing oil-based finishes such as TWP, READY SEAL, WOLMAN, OLYMPIC, CUPRINOL and other semi-transparent finishes.
EFC-38 contains a percarbonate, but is not like a straight percarbonate cleaner. EFC-38 was designed to remove aged and failing oil based wood finishes. It will perform many jobs that a percabonate cleaner can not do. EFC-38 is safe to use and makes an excellent tool for wood restoration.
Yes. You can use a roller in order to apply a deck stain.
You can easily spray the Deck Stain like Woodrich Brand Timber Oil when working on your project. A simple pump style garden sprayer works well. Almost any HVLP sprayer works well to spray deck stain. It is best to use a sprayer with a fan tip when applying deck stain.
Water-based deck stain will freeze. Thus, you need to always store it above freezing. Modified oil or water reduceable alkyd-based deck stains will freeze. While true oil-based deck stains will not freeze.
Pressure washing alone is not a good way to remove deck stain. If you use too much pressure trying to remove the stain you can damage your wood. It is best to use a deck cleaner or a deck stripper along with your pressure washer. Do this in order to safely remove the stain.
Sanding will remove deck stain. It is usually best to start with a rough paper like 80 grit. If there is a lot of stain on the deck it will require a lot of sand paper. When you are sanding to remove deck stain the paper will get loaded up quickly. You can find more information about SANDING A DECK here.
Bleach will not remove deck stain. Use a product specifically designed to remove deck stain. Bleach can be very damaging to wood. Bleach will permanently remove the natural color from your wood. This will leave your deck looking dull and lifeless.
Some types of deck stain are prone to cracking and peeling. Deck stain that forms a surface film is the most prone to crack and peel issues. A penetrating oil based deck stain usually has the most resistance to cracking or peeling. Some products like Woodrich Brand Timber Oil will absolutely never crack or peel.
Most types of deck stain should only be applied when the outside tempriture is above 60 degrees F. Water based stain is generally more sensitive to cold weather. Some oil based stain will dry in cold weather. Woodrich Brand Timber Oil can be applied in very cold weather. For the best results it is always best to check the product manufactureres recommendations.
Deck stain should not be applied in order to cover paint. It is designed to penetrate into the wood. If you want to apply a natural-looking deck stain, you will need to strip the paint first. Then you can apply the stain after.