Stripping Oil Based Stain From Wooden Fence - Certified SoftWash Roof Cleaning

James King · Freshmen Member

Stripping Oil Based Stain From Wooden Fence

Brandon Vaughn · SoftWash Systems Pro Staff

I've never personally used F-18 - have any pics of the job?

James King · Freshmen Member

Chad Eneix · SoftWash Systems Authorized Professional

James,

I am not sure how many here do this kind of work, hopefully a few will chime inn. Personally, I do not do stripping of decks, fences, etc. I leave that to the painters and the wood restoration guys. There are probably other contractors that will do this, some chap, and some not so cheap. Not sure how big it is, but you could probably do a couple roofs or siding jobs in at least in the time you will spend on that fence. Completely stripping paint or stain with a pressure washer is an extremely time consuming job. Unfortunately, it is a pretty common request as well. I would build a professional relationship with a good painter in your area for future requests like this.

My advice is if you have committed to the job already, go to a good paint store (Sherwin Williams) and ask what they recommend based on what the customer wants the outcome to be, and if the customer's expectations are even possible. If you have not already committed to this job, I would pass on it.

Sorry, hope that's not too discouraging. But you can go out and get a couple siding or roof jobs instead and make a lot more $$ with a lot less headaches.

If any others here do this type of work and have an efficient way of doing it, please chime in.

James King · Freshmen Member

Yeah I have already committed to this job. I have gotten a lot of useful information on another powerwash Forum. There is not very much algae or mold here in my area (Texas Panhandle). Most of the work here consist of fences, decks, concrete, stains on houses and building's, hood vents and Cedar Shake roofs.

Jeffrey Kirby · SoftWash Systems Authorized Professional

James,

Stripping wood sealer is not that complicated. Keep it simple.

1) wet it

2) apply 1-2% SH with a sodium hydroxide (or potassium hydroxide) degreaser, like Terra Wash. at least 3-4 ounces per gallon. '

3) let it dwell. keep it wet. You should see the oil in the solution, as a rainbow in the solution.

4) rinse. IF the degreaser (soap) does it's job, the pressure washer may not even be needed.

This will remove enough of an oil based sealer to allow additional coats to be applied. This will not completely strip out the wood. That is not a clean, but a restoration.