If your deck is in need of a lift set aside a few hours to clean the timber before recoating. Timber coating specialist Sikkens recommends the following tips to revive the deck, for years of enjoyment ahead.

You will need:

• Hose or pressure washer
• Stiff bristled brush
• Detergent
• Sikkens Cetol BLX-Pro

How to do it:

1. Clean the entire deck with a hose or pressure washer to remove all contaminants, dirt and grime.
2. Scrub with a stiff bristled brush using a mixture of mild detergent and water.
3. Rinse with a hose or pressure washer until soap suds are removed.
4. When completely dry, apply a liberal coat of Sikkens Cetol BLX-Pro [$51.15] in the desired colour, in the direction of the grain. For best results apply two coats, with two hours between each coat.
5. For hardwood decks that are weathered or grey, a cleaning product such as Sikkens Cetol BL Deck & Wood Cleaner [$23.32] needs to be applied before recoating. This fast acting gel formula will brighten and revitalise grey and weathered timber, in preparation for application of the recoat.
6. Neglected decks that are peeling, flaking or blistered, will need to be sanded back to bare timber, before applying Sikkens Cetol BL Deck & Wood Cleaner [$23.32]. Areas that are affected with mould or mildew must be properly treated before recoating otherwise mould will continue to grow underneath the fresh paintwork.

DANIEL, IMAGE CAPTIONS:

• Remove contaminants, dirt and grime
• Scrub with mild detergent and water
• After completely dry, apply Sikkens Cetol BLX-Pro with stiff bristled brush