Caring for Exterior Wood Surfaces Tip Sheet #2: Stripping Old Finishes

If you’re thinking it’s time to re-stain the exterior wood surfaces in your backyard, surface preparation is critical. The old finish has to be completely removed in order for the new stain to penetrate properly. Some people wonder why wood should be finished at all. After all, some wooden structures have lasted hundreds of years. This is true, but not all wooden structures will last hundreds of years. Weather and the wood itself can develop rot and deteriorate to the point of collapse. Another thing to consider is appearance. If you think natural wood will retain its color, you are wrong. Sunlight turns all woods yellowish or brownish, then gray. After the initial color change and graying, further changes develop slowly. Dark woods eventually become lighter and light woods darker. Damage from sun and water, which gets into the wood and makes it alternately expand and contract as it goes through wetting and drying cycles can lead to surface checks, which can than develop into cracks. Another problem with bare wood is mildew. If left unprotected, mildew will cover a surface, making it look gray or black. The problem is that on the way to a uniform gray or black color – if you like that look – the wood takes on a blotchy look. Overall, mildew is not dangerous but it isn’t visually appealing. Here are some wonderful tips to help ensure you get the job done correctly and without hassles:•Choose a fairly cool day to strip the deck so the product doesn’t dry too rapidly. •Test product in a small area for effectiveness and wait 20-30 minutes for results. •Cover any areas you do not wish to strip.•Application TipsoApply wood stripper with a garden sprayer, roller or brush. oWork on small areas at a time; with vertical surfaces, always work from bottom to top to avoid streaking.oAllow wood stripper to remain wet on surface for 20-30 minutes.oScrub with a stiff bristle brush to lift finish off surface.oRinse area with plenty of water to ensure complete removal of the chemicals and loosened finish •If un-stripped areas remain after rinsing, squeegee the area to dry it off, allow to slightly dry and then reapply the stripper.•Allow wood to dry 48 hours before applying a finish.

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