Breaking Down Snappy's Professional Wood Restoration

The warmth and beauty of a wooden deck or fence can add undeniable charm to your outdoor space. But over time, even the most cared-for wood weathers and succumbs to the elements.  Sun, rain, and mildew can leave your once-vibrant deck looking dull and lackluster.  Fear not, there is a solution!  The 2-step wood restoration process,  utilizing sodium metasilicate and oxalic acid, is a powerful method to restore your deck or fence to its former glory.

Step 1: Deep Cleaning with Sodium Metasilicate

Sodium metasilicate is a superhero of the cleaning world, especially when it comes to wood restoration. This alkaline cleaner acts like a magic eraser for wood, dissolving and removing  grime, dirt, and even some old finishes.  Here's the science behind the magic:

• Breaking down bonds:  Sodium metasilicate disrupts the bonds between dirt, grime, and the wood fibers, allowing them to be easily washed away.

• Emulsification:  It also emulsifies oils and grease trapped on the wood's surface, making them easier to rinse clean.

Step 2: Brightening with Oxalic Acid

After the deep clean, oxalic acid takes center stage. This weak organic acid tackles the wood's discoloration. Here's how it works:

• Neutralization:  Oxalic acid neutralizes the high pH left behind by sodium metasilicate, preventing the wood from becoming damaged.

• Brightness Boost:  More importantly, oxalic acid removes graying and  discoloration caused by tannins (naturally occurring  compounds in wood) and weathering. This  brightens the wood, revealing its natural beauty.

Safety First: Why Snappy's?

While the science behind the 2-step process is fairly straightforward, it's important to prioritize your own safety. Here's why you should leave the wood wonderworks to us:

• Chemical Expertise:  Both sodium metasilicate and oxalic acid can be extremely irritating to the skin and eyes. Our techs have the training and experience to handle these chemicals safely while also using proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Concentration is Key:  The dilution ratio of both chemicals is crucial. Too strong a concentration can damage the wood, but too little won't yield any results. At Snappy's, we've seen enough to know when and how to tailor the precise ratios to achieve optimal results without harming the surface of your fence or deck. 

• Wood Assessment:  We always initially assess the age and condition of your wood  to determine if this process is suitable. Older, weathered wood may be more susceptible to damage, and may not respond positively to any cleaning solutions.

The Takeaway: A Sparkling Deck Done Right

The 2-step wood restoration process with sodium metasilicate and oxalic acid is a powerful technique to rejuvenate your outdoor space.  However, safety should  always be  a top priority.  For a beautiful, restored deck or fence, give Snappy's a call and we can bring back the shine while maintaining the integrity of your property.