With Spring on the way, Easter is the perfect time to repair and prepare your decking, ready for those long Summer nights of Bar-B-Que’s!
The recent snowfall and sub-zero temperatures have likely left your decking weather-beaten and looking a little worse for wear. So we thought we would help you on your way to restoring your decking back to its former glory with our helpful guide.
Where to Begin?
You always need to consider the conditions before starting any project like this. Ideally you need a few days where it is going to be dry and over 10 degrees.
Once you have allocated a suitable time, the first job would be to remove the existing coating. For this we would recommend using Owatrol Prepdeck Stripper Cleaner. The cleaner will remove old solid and semi-transparent stains, grade stamps, dirt and other surface contaminants. It is also a fast, easy way to reduce mill glaze so that new wood will accept a penetrating finish.
You will need to dilute to the correct concentration required for the intended application, before applying the Prepdeck to the surface using either a Synthetic brush, Roller with synthetic cover or garden sprayer. Once applied to the surface allow the Prepdeck to work for 15-30 minutes.
After the product has been left for the required time, remove it from the surface using a nylon brush to scrub the area. Next rinse away with plenty of fresh clean water, or alternatively you could use a pressure washer at 100-1500 PSI to remove the Prepdeck.
Neutralise
Once the decking has been stripped of the old coating you will need to use Owatrol Net-trol to neutralise the chemicals in the Prepdeck. Applied with either a synthetic brush or roller both long and medium pile, Owatrol Net-trol has a theoretical coverage of 5-10m2 per litre, however please be aware that the actual coverage will vary depending on type, age and texture of surface.
When using Owatrol Net-trol on wood, Stone or Concrete you will need to wet the surface first with fresh clean water before applying the product. Work the Net-trol into the surface with a stiff nylon/synthetic brush. Alternatively, you could decant the Net-trol into a tray and apply with a roller. Allow the Net-trol to stand for at least 20 minutes. If the surface begins to dry out re-wet the surface with a mist application of water.
After allowing Owatrol Net-trol to stand, agitate with a stiff brush to ensure that you have got all of the dirt out. Next you will need to rinse the surface with fresh clean water whilst scrubbing or, alternatively use a pressure washer with maximum pressure of 60 bar. Allow the substrate to then completely dry for a minimum of 3 days before applying your chosen finish or sealer.
To Finish
You are now ready to apply your chosen finish to the decking. Promain supply a number of different Decking Oils and Paints including Textrol Penetrating Oil Finish, which comes in 7 different shades. Textrol is the ideal product to revitalize weather-beaten, dried-out decks and exterior wood. This solvent based product is quick and easy to apply. It provides mildew resistance and offers easy maintenance, as well as looking good!
Owatrol Textrol is suitable for use on soft or hardwood’s such as cedar, larch, pine, ash or oak and can be applied using a brush, roller or airless spray. It has a theoretical coverage of 5m sq. per litre per 2 coats. You should apply Textrol wet on wet. It has an overall drying time of 24 hours.
You are now ready to sit back and relax in the sunshine (well, fingers crossed for the sunshine anyway!)
If you need any further advice on how to restore your decking, or for more information on the products featured in this article, please contact our Technical Team on 01462 421333.
