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06/28/2020
Hello, I have an Ipe deck that was constructed in the fall of 2018. I let the deck weather over the winter and in the summer of 2019 I used the RAD cleaner and brightener at full strength (1 cup/gal) with a stiff brush. I thought I rinsed the deck thoroughly in between steps but ended up with a blotchy looking surface and noticed that the wood was somewhat frayed. I believe the cleaner strength may have been too high for a new deck, the brush was too stiff (it tended to scratch the surface), and did not rinse thoroughly in between steps. I applied Ipe Oil after the deck dried and the blotchy look (patches of white) still remained. I am now preparing to refinish the deck again this summer. The blotchy look has somewhat faded due to weathering from snow/rain (I live in northern Illinois). What did I do wrong last year? What do you recommend I do this year? Do I use the RAD stripper and brightener or just the cleaner and brightener? Should I use at full strength or slightly less than full strength? I plan to use a less stiff brush and use a flow-through brush connected to a hose to ensure all the products are removed. I plan to use Ipe Oil to finish the deck. Thanks!
