How to Remove Wax From a Composite Deck

Using quality deck sealants is a must.

Using low-quality deck sealants might save money initially, but these are generally made with a paraffin wax base that dulls or gets cloudy in short order. The good news is that these sealants are not that difficult to remove. A little oxygen cleaner and some elbow grease will strip the old sealant right off. This type of cleaner acts as a brightening agent and will bring back the brilliant sheen to wood. A great opportunity to inspect the deck completely and do any necessary maintenance is right before adding a new sealant.

Things You'll Need

• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Plastic drop cloths
• Powdered oxygen bleach cleaner
• Scrub brush
• Garden pump sprayer (if needed)
• Garden hose
• Deck sealant
• Paint sprayer
• Hammer
• Circular saw
• Jigsaw
• Replacement deck boards (if needed)

Instructions

1. Cover all plants and vegetation surrounding the deck with plastic drop cloths. Remove all furniture items from the deck.

2. Mix 1 1/2 cups of powdered oxygen cleaner with 2 gallons of water. You can fill and use a garden pump sprayer to apply the mixture or coat the deck and railings by using a scrub brush. Scrub the wood vigorously and let the foaming action of the oxygen cleaner break down the old sealant.

3. Rinse the wood surface thoroughly with clear water, using a garden hose. A pressure washer can be used if it is on a very low pressure, such as 700 PSI (pounds per square inch), but it isn't recommended. Wood is easily damaged by high-pressure water streams.

4. Inspect the deck for nails or screws that have worked loose. Replace any boards that are cracked or warped.

5. Let the surface dry for 24 hours and then apply a quality sealant using a paint sprayer. Uncover all plants and vegetation. Replace all deck furniture when the sealant has completely dried.

Tips & Warnings

• Sodium hydroxide based strippers are much too harsh to use in removing wax-based sealants. Strong strippers score the wood and should only be used as a last resort.

• Avoid using a power washer on a deck. A garden hose works as well and eliminates the possibility of water pressure damage to the wood.

• Check the overall support of the deck. HGTV states, "One of the most crucial areas of the deck to examine is the post substructure. Make sure the deck is supported by a strong, stable foundation."

• Wear safety glasses and gloves for this project.

References

• RAHSCO Cleaning Systems: Deck Cleaning & Sealing

Resources

• HGTV: Deck Maintenance