Comments on: Fir Porch Floor Restoration

By: Scott Burt

Scott Burt — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 12:47:35 +0000

I haven’t used the BM cleaner. I would use a brightener and neutralizer combo. We do not cover vegetation because that creates a greenhouse effect which can shock and burn them. Just keep them wet and it should be fine.

By: Matt

Matt — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 11:23:18 +0000

Scott, thanks for the reply. I was planning on using BM’s Multi Purpose Clean, which I believe is more potent than just a bleach solution, correct? I want to manage runoff properly. Do you ever cover soil or plants with sheeting of some kind, or do you find that constant re-wetting of ground and surfaces is sufficient?

By: Scott Burt

Scott Burt — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 11:00:12 +0000

Matt, 800-1200 should do on that. Garden hose is probably not quite enough unless you have a really good chem package and can saturate the wood and rinse while still wet. I’d go pw. The best protection is to wet down the area thoroughly, rewetting constantly and make sure the chems aren’t too harsh.

By: Matt

Matt — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 02:10:50 +0000

Scott, what range psi would you recommend if cleaning fence boards as opposed to deck boards? Do you feel like a garden hose would provide sufficient pressure in this case? Also, what system do you typically employ to protect flower gardens adjacent to target surfaces?

By: topcoatreview

topcoatreview — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:11:33 +0000

Dan, thanks, two step chem process using sodium hypochlorite on the front end and then a citralic neutralizer/brightener, both applied by pump sprayer and allowed to dwell for a good 20 minutes. The machine was low pressure (800-ish) and we will do a light sand to smooth off the fir prior to oil application, which will be our deck go to, Penofin Marine Grade. We will also be painting the columns, rail and perimeter riser trim, so it will be a really nice improvement. Porches and decks are such cool outdoor living spaces, I enjoy making them as nice as they can be for customers.

By: Dan Frost

Dan Frost — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:44:15 +0000

Scott: Great photos, What was the process? Cleaners, brighteners, etc. and then what product will you finish with?
Thanks.

Dan

By: topcoatreview

topcoatreview — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:35:19 +0000

I’m not a huge fan of t&g for floors with exposure, but I love fir. It is a beautiful and resilient species. It may be a regional thing, but we see it alot, especially on formal elements like custom front doors. We spar them in that case. Thanks for the compliment, Nathan. It is a fun project.

By: Nathan Deneault

Nathan Deneault — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:21:51 +0000

I personally don’t like Fir for decks/outdoor building material. You took a material that is IMO not worthy of being put on a house, and made it look REALLY good. Kudos Topcoat!