How to Turn Lattice White Again Without Pressure Washing

• #1

I need a little help.

I have a deck scheduled for the 18th of June which a portion of it is about 7 ft off of the ground. There is a large amount of lattice framing the bottom of the deck structure and lattice attached on the outside of the rail and spindles.

Is there anything special that I need to be aware of in the cleaning and sealing process of the lattice that would be any different than the rest of the deck?

Also, as for the cleaning procedure, I have observed many other contractors using a bleach and sodium hydroxide to clean the deck. Does anyone have a special mix that will really deep clean this wood. Also keep in mind that there are a large amount of plants around the deck.
It was sealed with Thompson Water Seal about 3 years ago. I looked at the deck and noticed that severely weather black and green with what appears to be heavy mold and mildew. The owner says she wants the deck just cleaned and sealed.

Could someone tell me what a real good but inexpensive self cleaning procedure that has astonishing out come to it.

The last deck I cleaned I used an olympic deck wash and I don't mind telling you, the outcome wasn't what I expected. I don't know if it was the type of wood or if it was the cleaning chemical itself, but after washing it twice, I still wasn't impressed.

Much Thanks in Advance

Richard R.

Last edited: Jun 11, 2001

• #4

Typically decks that have been sealed with thompsons in the past clean real easy. The product itself is garbage but it encourages the degraded surfce fibers to break free. We usually clean a deck of the nature using a sodium percarbonate mix and then follow with an oxalic bath. Works every time. With the mildew problem it appears to have the sodium hydroxide will help in removing and killing it off. Don't use sodium hydroxide unless you can follow it up with oxalic although. We obtain ours through a local chemical supplier at around a buck a pound.

Good Luck,

Greg - TimberSeal

• #7

Doesn't Garden grade lattice suck........

anyway oxalic is pretty safe around plants. Many actually rheiv on it. We have NEVER ran into a problem with vegetation and the oxalic. Getting it on you however is a different story. Oxalic acid robs your body of calcium and coverts it into a useless byproduct through a chemical reaction within your body (if its allowed to absorb into you). Wear gloves and a respirator when applying along with your typical gear. It is a toxic product that can cause oxaliosis (sp?) as well. Read your MSDS before using for all the information about using this product safely.

Greg

• #9

Hey Guys,
I really appreciate all the help.

Looks like Home Depo is going to be my best bet.
I live about 15 to 20 miles away from Home Depo and don't get a chance to keep up with all the things they offer. We have a large Lowes here in our area and I don't mind telling you, I'm not impressed with their selection of products.

I guess buying oxalic acid by itself is not such a good idea huh?

Thanks Again.

Richard R.

Last edited: Jun 12, 2001

• #10

Hi Richard,
For the Oxalic Acid for decks you can get it shipped to you in powder form and you mix it on the job. Call Sun Brite at 770-277-6363 and ask for Chris or Pete and tell them Dennis from Spray Masters sent ya! You can also ask them about their ready to use deck cleaner called Safe Wash. Just mix it with hot water, spray it on...wash off. We use it all the time and it really gets the gray/green stuff.
Be careful with the lattace. Too much pressure will wreck havic!!!
If I can help any further just let me know.
Dennis

• #12

Mike,
When you say you mixed the powder with hot water and your sprayer got all clogged up how did you mix it. What I do when I have to mix something I use a mixer that attaches to my drill. The Company from Georgia sells it. This mixer has been a Godsend. The mixer I have can mix 5 gallon buckets. The company sells mixer attachment that can go on a drill and mix up to 55gal. drums. The one I have I paid about $15. I use it to mix stains chemicals etc.
[dog]

• #15

Mike,
We have used the "Safe Wash" on almost every deck we have done. That stuff really works.
What we do is ask the homeowner if we can get some hot water out of their sink. I bring in a 2 gallon bucket and mix TWICE the strength it calls for. I do this because I apply the chem with the X-jet getting 2 to 1. Works great and the 2 gallon mix is the perfect size to work with before the boards get too dry and I get tired!
Here is our method:
I mix the chem in the hot water and stir gently. Does not need much to mix if you use hot water.
I then hook up the X-Jet and spray the deck down with water. I then drop in the end and spray on the chems with it.
I then run over the deck with a stiff brush quickly and lightly.
This allows for the 5 minutes set time and really gets the chems working.
I then hook up the wand and do one board at a time with a 40 degree tip.
That stuff really lifts up the green and black on a board.
Wait about 48 hours of good dry weather and then stain with Ready Seal.

We just did a deck that was neglected for 14 years. Was in terrible shape. The mildrew and dirt made it look like it was painted with a green/black paint!!!
Came up beautiful. Some fuzzies(not much) but what can you expect with it going that long untouched.

Hope this helps!
Dennis

graysongothered.blogspot.com

Source: http://powerwashnetwork.com/index.php?threads%2Fdeck-with-lattice.2687%2F

Share this post