Wood is a timeless material that adds warmth and character to any space, whether it’s your home, deck, or furniture. Keeping wood surfaces clean and well-maintained is essential to preserving their beauty and extending their lifespan. In this blog, we’ll explore how to effectively clean wood using three powerful chemicals: F-8 Neutralizer/Brightener, F-18 MAX Wood Sealer Stripper & Cleaner, and F-10 Percarbonate Cleaner. Each of these products serves a unique purpose and, when used correctly, can transform your wood surfaces. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Stripping and Cleaning with F-18 MAX Wood Sealer Stripper & Cleaner

Before you can clean or brighten your wood, you need to remove any old sealers, stains, or dirt buildup. This is where the F-18 MAX Wood Sealer Stripper & Cleaner comes into play.

What is F-18 MAX?

F-18 MAX is a powerful stripper and cleaner specifically designed to remove wood sealers, stains, and even the toughest grime. Its high-strength formula penetrates deep into the wood, making it easier to strip away unwanted layers and contaminants.

How to Use F-18 MAX:

1. Preparation: Ensure the wood surface is dry and free of loose debris. Wear protective gloves and eyewear.
2. Application: Mix F-18 MAX according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply the solution generously to the wood using a brush, roller, or sprayer.
3. Dwell Time: Allow the solution to sit on the wood for 15-30 minutes. This gives it time to break down the old finish and dirt.
4. Scrubbing: After the dwell time, scrub the surface with a stiff-bristle brush to loosen the residue.
5. Rinsing: Rinse the wood thoroughly with water, preferably using a pressure washer. Ensure all residues are washed away.

Usage Guide:

The dwell time for F-18 Max on wood is 10-30 minutes based on the brand of sealer, method it was applied, and condition of wood. 

NON-FILM FORMING: oil-based wood sealers 4oz-6oz per gallon. 

FILM FORMING: oil-based sealers 6oz-12oz per gallon. 

CLEANING: of wood that has no sealer, that is dirty, moldy (algae) or weathered. 1oz-3oz per gallon. 

CONCRETE: 1oz-3oz per gallon. F-18 can dwell on concrete up to 10 minutes.

Step 2: Brightening with F-8 Neutralizer / Brightener

Once the old sealer and dirt are removed, the wood may appear darker or uneven in color. The next step is to neutralize and brighten the wood using F-8 Neutralizer/Brightener.

What is F-8?

F-8 Neutralizer/Brightener is a product designed to restore the natural color of wood after it has been stripped and cleaned. It neutralizes any remaining chemical residues from the stripper and brightens the wood, enhancing its natural beauty.

How to Use F-8:

1. Preparation: Ensure the wood is still wet from the rinsing process. If not, lightly mist the surface with water.
2. Application: Mix F-8 according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply the solution evenly across the wood surface using a brush, roller, or sprayer.
3. Dwell Time: Allow the solution to sit for 15-30 minutes. During this time, the wood will begin to lighten and brighten.
4. Rinsing: Rinse the wood thoroughly with water. Ensure all the brightener is washed away.

Usage Guide:

F-8 can be used to brighten & neutralize wood and for rust removal on multiple surfaces from wood, siding, and concrete.

F-8 dissolves best in warm water and a dwell time of 10-15 minutes. 

For direct application for wood brightening & neutralization, dissolve 3oz per gallon of water. 

For downstream application dissolve 9oz per gallon of water. 

For rust removal on non-porous surfaces, 2oz per gallon for direct application and 10oz per gallon or downstream injection. 

For porous surfaces like concrete, direct application is the preferred method. Dissolve 6 to 9oz per gallon for rusted surfaces. If the surface a thicker build up dissolve 12oz per gallon. Multiple application may be necessary.

Step 3: Cleaning with F-10 Percarbonate Cleaner

For routine maintenance or if you’re dealing with mildew, mold, or other organic stains, F-10 Percarbonate Cleaner is your go-to solution.

What is F-10 Percarbonate Cleaner?

F-10 is an oxygen-based cleaner that effectively removes organic stains, mildew, and mold from wood surfaces. It’s gentle on wood but tough on stains, making it ideal for regular cleaning and maintenance.

How to Use F-10:

1. Preparation: Wet the wood surface with water.
2. Application: Mix F-10 according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply the solution to the wood using a brush, roller, or sprayer.
3. Dwell Time: Allow the solution to sit for 10-15 minutes. The oxygen in the cleaner will lift and break down stains.
4. Scrubbing: Lightly scrub the surface with a soft-bristle brush if necessary.
5. Rinsing: Rinse the wood thoroughly with water. Ensure all cleaner residues are washed away.

Usage Guide:

This is a bleach alternative cleaner and should not be mixed with chlorine. F-10 is safe on multiple surfaces including wood, vinyl, concrete, brick and shingles. F-10 can be applied directly with a pump-up sprayer or 12v pump. 

10oz per gallon for down streaming 

4-8oz per gallon for direct application 

Dwell time is 10-30 minutes

Conclusion

Cleaning and maintaining wood surfaces require the right products and techniques. By using F-18 MAX Wood Sealer Stripper & Cleaner, F-8 Neutralizer/Brightener, and F-10 Percarbonate Cleaner, you can ensure your wood surfaces remain beautiful and long-lasting. Each of these products plays a crucial role in the cleaning process, from stripping away old finishes to brightening and routine cleaning. Follow the steps outlined above to achieve the best results and enjoy the natural beauty of your wood surfaces for years to come.