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The Basics of Wood Restoration

Mon 30 Nov 2009 - 16:00

The Basics of Wood Restoration
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=AJ_Villamor]AJ Villamor

Although we don't think about it much, the Second Law of Thermodynamics has an impact on our lives. Basically, it means anything left on its own will start to decline. The good news is that we can fight back through maintenance, such as by using the process of wood restoration. Such processes can prevent or perhaps, even reverse, the process of deterioration. Sometimes, it can even restore the wood to its original state!

Truth be told, wood is much more vulnerable to its environment than we could ever imagine. Some of its major enemies include temperature, sunlight, and even Father Time itself. These influences on wood can produce a variety of unwanted results, including warping, rotting, splitting, and buildups of moss and mildew. However, using some basic wood restoration methods can work wonders on various types of wood products.

Meet Your Enemy: Weathering

While living trees thrive on sunlight, it can have a devastating impact on wood products. For instance, ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun cause something called lignin in the wood to weaken, thus making the wood's fibers weaker. Also, the sun can cause an unbalanced heating of wood. For instance, the topside of a horizontal board on a deck could become dryer faster than the bottom side.

Other weathering enemies of wood exist. In cold regions, cycles of freezing and thawing can cause additional stress on wood, thus creating the need for wood restoration. Additionally, damp wood can invite fungal spores to fasten themselves onto the wood and then grow. Unfortunately, pressure treating of wood has none-to-little success in preventing the increase of fungal spores.

Cleaning Wood From Unsophisticated to Uphill

The process of cleaning wood to restore its natural appearance can involve different processes. These methods can range from a basic pressure washing, to a complicated process involving special chemicals and several steps. It is recommended that novices only handle wood restoration tasks when the impact of weathering on wood is moderate and even.

Pressure Washing 101

If you decide to use pressure washing in order to restore wood, consider using these particular techniques:

Start from the bottom and then work upwards.



Avoid using too much pressure.

Shift the wand along the wood's grain, rather than across it.

Maintain the wand at the same angle to the surface.

Keep the distance uniform from the nozzle to the surface.

Clean off any remaining thin films of dirt by using a soft brush.

Use additional treatment when wood seems to emit water.


As you go along, you will learn more about what to watch for and what to do about it. For instance, you may find barbecue grease on your deck. What do you do about it? You can try a water-rinse, automotive degreaser - many have used it to great results! Other specialty products for cleaning are also available. Typically, you spray them on and use a pressure washer to power-rinse afterwards. Examples include brighteners, stain removers, and strippers.

What about chlorine bleach? Should it be used? Conventional wisdom dictates bleach should not be used by itself, but always in combination with the right detergent. Sure, bleach can remove stains and kill mildew, but it's not a very effective cleaning agent. Rust and any other type of stain that's bleach-resistant respond very well to oxalic cleaners that are acid-based.

Clean and Then Go?

Some power-washing contractors add preservation techniques to their services while others simply limit their work to appearance restoration. Are you considering adding preservation services to your repertoire? Here are some of its pros and cons.

PROS



You can get additional business from each customer.

You can increase your customer base because you can get clients who only need cleaning, clients who only need protection, and clients who need both.

Many customers require need finishes applied.


CONS



You may have to return some other day to coat or seal.

You can do pressure-washing even when it rains, but coating work is entirely weather-dependent.

You won't get paid until you finish everything.


Finishing What You Start

When performing wood restoration, you should be aware that three types of finish products are available: water repellant products, wood preservation products, and stain products. Typically, the regular paint job has a lifespan of 5 to 10 years while water repellent, stain, or preservative protection lasts only 2 to 3 years.

Water repellent products have two main drawbacks. Even after applying them carefully, water can still force itself into the tiny pores of the wood. Additionally, water repellent only provides short-term protection.

Meanwhile, wood preservative products can safeguard wood from a wide variety of things, including mildew, insects, termites, or decay. When buying wood that's been pressure treated, keep in mind that it already has protection against insects, termites, and decay.

Finally, stain products are basically paints that manufactures have thinned down. Besides looking attractive, stains also provide the same UV protection that paints do. Look for stains with "titanium dioxide" and stains of solid colors, to maximize the amount of UV protection.

Here are some tips to help you apply the finish successfully:



Always check on manufacturers' directions because more often than not, these provide application tips.

Doubtful about the possible results? Do a test patch!

After pressure washing, check on the wood to make sure it has dried.

Do not apply the finish in direct sunlight.

Don't worry too much about coating your deck's undersides. In most cases, this isn't necessary.

Use cardboard spray shields to help you mask the more "difficult" areas.

Remove drips or oversprays while these are still wet.

Depending on your purpose, a professional-type drop cloth can do better work than plastic sheeting.

Before you brush out, be sure to spray on first.

Thinking of using an airless sprayer? Go ahead! It can work very well if it's properly set up. Keep in mind, though, that if you are spraying watery liquid, an airless sprayer can create quite a lot of misting.

Considering an HVLP sprayer? Try it! It's a great choice.

Pump-up sprayers work well, but they're not very quick and efficient on large jobs.



Wood has many enemies that can make it weak or unsightly. However, you can battle back by using various effective wood restoration products and techniques. It won't always be easy work, but all the hard work will be worth it once you see the look of joy on a homeowner's face.

The best part? Because you gave the homeowner's deck a new lease on life, that satisfied homeowner will come running to you every two years or so!

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=AJ_Villamor http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Basics-of-Wood-Restoration&id=3320038


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