How to Acid Wash a Deck

Wooden decks weather over time. The once bright wood will become gray and dingy. An oxalic acid wash will remove the weathered fibers and give your wood a fresh, clean-looking appearance. Once the acid is rinsed and dry, you can then apply a sealer or a stain, if you want to change the color. The easiest acid to use is a premixed oxalic acid deck brightener.

Broom
Stiff bristle brush
5-gal. bucket
Warm water
1 c. laundry detergent
Garden hose
Protective goggles
Rubber gloves
Soft bristled nylon brush with long handle
Oxalic acid deck brightener mix

Instructions

- 1
  Sweep the deck with a broom to remove the dirt and debris. Fill a bucket with warm water and 1 c. laundry detergent. Take it out to the deck.
- 2
  Dip a stiff bristle scrub brush into the soapy water and scrub the entire deck, starting at one end and working across to the other. Rinse the deck with water from a garden hose and let it air-dry.
- 3
  Put on protective goggles and rubber gloves. Open the can of oxalic acid deck brightener mix.
- 4
  Dip the soft bristle nylon scrub brush into the oxalic acid and gently brush it onto one plank, starting in the corner farthest from the door or stairs. Continue gently scrubbing one plank at a time.
- 5
  Rinse the planks with water from the hose as they become dry. Let the deck air-dry for 48 hours.

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Decks & Patios