How important is it to properly clean my deck before applying a waterproofer?
Proper surface preparation is necessary for the best waterproofer application and performance. All exterior wood – from decks to fences to siding – should be cleaned before sealing, staining or painting to remove dirt, mildew, mold, waterproofers, wood stains, paint and other contaminants. Even new wood can have dirt or other invisible barriers to the penetration of a coating. For instance, new wood can have an invisible mill glaze, caused when the heat of the milling equipment reacts with the natural oils in the wood. For step-by-step instructions on cleaning your outdoor surfaces, visit the How-To section and read the Expert Advice articles.
