Replies

1. 
   Fred_Matthews | Jun 15, 1999 09:11am | #1

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   Funny you should ask Lee, as I just finished sealing mine today (a hot , dry day here in San Diego). I used TSP, and washed and rinsed twice, let it dry thoroughly, then applied two coats of transparent sealer/waterproofer (Behr). I do this every year and hate it. If someone knows of a more durable, longlasting finish, I'm all ears.

2. 
   Jed_C. | Jun 15, 1999 07:53pm | #2

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   Chris Minick lists a homemade formula for a deck finish (based on one developed through research at the Forest Products Laboratory) in Fine Woodworking no. 135 on page 122.

3. 
   Guest_ | Jun 17, 1999 08:13pm | #3

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   Oh, c'mon folks. I promised a friend that you would all have the information he needed. Is this question beneath your dignity????
   Pressure washer??
   TSP??
   Soap??
   Please give me some info, please?

   Lee

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 17, 1999 09:08pm | #4

   *I am suprised the behr is only lasting one year. I know they make a water based and I have never used it, maybe it does not lastas long. We typically get three years out of bear oil based on a deck and up to 10 on side walls on cedar and redwood. We are in the Willamette Valley of Oregon.We usually build new decks as part of another job but sometimes refinish decks to match a new project.On an old deck we use a bleach solution and a pressure washer.On a bad deck we will run about 1:5 bleach to water. Use a fan head on the pressure washer and do not get near it. If you have a area thatis not that obvious practice there first. Problem is that sometimes bleach and pressure washing will raise fibers, and if so after the deck is dry you might have to hit it one or two times with a stiff street broom. the deck has to be really dry for the oil to penetrate wellSometimes we have to wait a few days. good luck

4. 
   Guest_ | Jun 17, 1999 09:09pm | #5

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   It's about three years old, it needs cleaning.

   Thanks, I did not wipe my feet.

   Lee