How to Clean Dry Paint from Trex Decking
Trex decking is a wood-plastic composite surface made from a mixture of lumber and recycled plastic. It's a popular type of decking because, unlike wood surfaces, Trex decking won't rot or warp, nor is it susceptible to mold, mildew and fungal infestations. On the negative side, it isn't quite as resilient as wood when it comes to surface damage caused by abrasion. If you need to clean dry paint from Trex decking, it's vital that you use a lubricant, or you will almost always end up scarring the surface. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Apply 1 ounce of olive oil to every 4-inch area of paint. Allow the olive oil to sit for three minutes.
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Scrape away the dry paint using a plastic putty knife. Do not use a metal putty knife, as this may lead to unwanted scratches on the Trex decking. Move on to step three if any paint remains on the Trex decking.
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3
Dampen a rag with mineral spirits, but do not soak it. Ring the rag out if you see any mineral spirits dripping from it. Wipe the damp rag on the paint in a clockwise, circular motion. Move on to step four if dry paint remains on the Trex decking.
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4
Lay the damp rag on top of the dry paint. Scrape away the paint with a plastic putty knife, using the rag as a buffer between the scraper and the Trex surface.
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Tips & Warnings
Never use harsh cleaners on Trex decking, as this can damage the surface.
Do not use lacquer thinner in place of mineral spirits, as this solvent is much harsher and may damage the Trex surface.
Resources
- Photo Credit olive oil in bottle image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com