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Do It
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Bulk Materials
Do It Yourself Planning Tips
Fasteners
All nails, fasteners and hardware must be stainless steel,
aluminum or top-quality, hot-dipped galvanized (electroplated
galvanizing is not acceptable). Poor quality fasteners will
react with redwood's natural, decay-resisting extractives
causing unsightly stains.
Finishes
Finishes will enhance the performance of any exterior wood
project, so it is important to coat all surfaces with a water
repellent wood preservative before installation. For example,
it is necessary to coat sawn ends of posts and the back side
of ledgers before they are put in place and hidden by other
parts of the deck.
Water Repellents
Clear water repellents can stabilize redwood's color at a
buckskin tan if applied regularly.
Bleaches
Unfinished redwood tends to darken, then ultimately weathers
to a soft driftwood gray. To achieve an immediate weathered
appearance, bleaching oil can be applied.
Decking Stain
To achieve a lasting redwood color or any other hue, water
repelling, oil-based deck stain may be used. Be sure that the
stain is recommended for walking surfaces.
Do:
- Make sure surfaces are clean and dry.
- Use water repellents, stains and bleaching oils, which
contain mildewcides.
- Permit new structures built with unseasoned redwood to
air-dry one month before finishing.
- Use a brush or roller for application.
Don't:
- Don't use spray systems to apply finishes.
- Don't use varnishes, lacquers or other film-forming
finishes.
- Don't mix incompatible finishes - always follow
manufacturer's directions.
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