Does your decking look like this?
Decking can take some punishment over the winter, so before you decide on a course of treatment for the year it’s worth knowing what to do in preparation. Good preparation is key in achieving the best results and durability for your chosen finish.
If your decking looks like the photo above, covered with algae moss and dead leaves, it’s always best to use a decking cleaner.
Which decking cleaner should be used?
In the video below, we’ve used the Barrettine Super Concentrated Decking Cleaner, but the Liberon Tough Deck Clean and Revive, Ronseal Decking Cleaner and Reviver or Cuprinol Decking Cleaner will do a similar job. It’s important to note that some decking cleaners, usually in the smaller bottles are concentrated formulas, so once diluted in water apply with a watering can or sprayer, (for the purpose of the video we have used a paintbrush as it’s demonstrated on a small piece of decking) they will clean a wider surface whilst being lower in price and more eco-friendly as less plastic packaging is required.
Follow the easy steps in this video to get the best results.
Will the Decking Cleaner remove old preservative?
These cleaners are powerful, so once applied (as shown in video), they will remove any pre-treatment or old Decking Oil. Hence, after the wood has dried fully (once rinsed), it is recommended that you apply a decking finish or preserver (Decking Oil, Paint or Stain) as soon as you can to protect the untreated wood. It is also important to wear gloves when applying these cleaners as they do “pack a punch”. However once rinsed the wood surface is both pet and child safe.
What should be used to clean flaking and peeling decking?
If your decking is flaking or peeling, this is because a Decking Stain or Paint was applied previously. Although a Decking Cleaner will remove some of the dirt and flakes with some scrubbing, the best products to use in this case are either Ronseal Decking Stripper or Cuprinol Stain Stripper. Once the Decking Stripper has been applied (video coming soon) and the paint or stain has been removed, it is best practice to wash your decking after to give the most adhering surface for the new finish to cling to, extending the life of the new finish and making it harder wearing.
What’s the difference between a Decking Cleaner and a Reviver?
If the cleaner mentions the word “Reviver” in the description they include a naturally occurring acid, Oxalic Acid, in the cleaning formula. Oxalic Acid helps remove some dark staining of the wood grain whilst restoring the original colour of the decking which is perfect if you intend to use a clear oil later and wish a rich natural colour of the wood to come through, as if the decking was new.
The more concentrated Oxalic Acid Gel formulas, Osmo Wood Reviver Power Gel and Barrettine Wood Reviver, are perfect for use on any exterior wood surface that has greyed due to UV exposure and weathering. Once applied, these will instantly restore the colour of the wood to a new appearance.
In summary, Decking Cleaners and Revivers are perfect for cleaning off dirty, mouldy and algae covered decking boards. They are also great for removing all Decking Oil, prior to applying a new finish. Wear gloves when applying and make the product go further by applying up each board (rather than across).
It’s always important to let your decking dry full before applying any finish. Once you have followed this guide the decking paint oil or stain you apply will look much better for far longer!
