Products For Cleaning Cedar?

rangie

I'm about to re-stain (semi-transparent) a huge rough cut cedar siding house. It hasn't had any attention in at least 10 years, so needless to say there are tons of areas of discoloration, mold, mildew, etc, etc, etc. The customers obviously want it to look like new again, however I'm a little unsure what product to use to get everything clean again.

I never really use high pressure on my power washer, but I'm especially concerned with this home because it's cedar siding and more delicate. I'm worried about lap marks and inconsistent coloration considering we're applying semi-transparent stain after cleaning and I don't want those imperfections coming through.

I normally use TSP, bleach, and water mixture, but I tested a spot and it doesn't seem to do the job without using higher pressure.

Should I use oxygenated bleach? Any other product suggestions? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

carolinaprowash

You are absolutely correct on keeping the pressure LOW - you can damage some cedar very quickly with too much. Our wood restoration products come from www.esproducts.net . If you prep that house properly you won't have any worries with the staining - it will be stunning and you'll be a hero

Best of luck!

Celeste

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zukkoor

I typically use powersolve. You can buy it in an injectable form or you can buy the hand spray form. Just make sure you get an even coat that is very important. As far as powerwashing it takes practice to get it perfectly even when you are done. My best advice is to keep pressure low and take even strokes at the same speed and distance away from the wood.

For stain on cedar siding I would suggest TWP 500 series. It comes in many tones. The best way to apply is with a pump sprayer and back wipe with a sponge mop.