How to Refinish and Care for Redwood

Redwood is an attractive and durable wood popularly used for porches, decks and furniture. Although redwood is naturally pest- and decay-resistant, exposure to the elements causes the natural wood to fade over time to a silvery gray, which some homeowners find objectionable. Painted or stained redwood can crack or peel, and the wood appears dull and weathered. A thorough cleaning is the first step in restoring redwood to its original beauty; the cleaning should be followed by proper sealing for long-term protection.

Garden hose
Protective gloves
Protective eyewear
Trisodium phosphate
Bleach
Bucket
Stiff bristle brush
Oxalic acid
Paintbrush
Paint or stain (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Use a strong spray from a garden hose to clean off debris, grime and surface stains. Power washing should not be performed by the inexperienced do-it-yourselfer as it can damage redwood if done incorrectly. Consult a professional if you are considering power washing.
- 2
  Put on protective gloves and eye protection.
- 3
  Mix together 1 cup bleach, 1 cup trisodium phosphate (TSP) and 1 gallon of water.
- 4
  Scrub the redwood thoroughly using a stiff bristle brush and the bleach/TSP solution to remove dirt, mildew and flaking or peeling paint or stain.
- 5
  Apply oxalic acid to the redwood with a brush. Oxalic acid is used as a stain remover and wood brightener. If the oxalic acid is in crystal form rather than liquid, mix 4 oz. of oxalic acid to 1 gallon of warm water.
- 6
  Once the wood dries, rinse it thoroughly with water and allow it to dry.
- 7
  Apply an oil-based stain containing a mildewcide according to the manufacturer's directions. Oil-based stains penetrate the wood better than water-based, providing a more durable finish. Be sure to coat all beams, posts, cracks and crevices. Alternatively, a clear or tinted sealer can be applied to highlight the natural color of the redwood.
- 8
  Clean the redwood periodically with a strong spray from a garden hose to remove everyday dirt and debris.

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