Wood deck cleaner - ideal for wood siding and log homes

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EFC-38 Wood Deck and Siding Cleaner/Stripper 10LB Tub Makes 20 Gallons

Ipe Wood Cleaner

List Price: $69.00

Our Price: $69.00

Sale Price: $64.95

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Availability: Usually Ships in 3 to 5 Business Days
Product Code: EFC3810

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Description

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STEP 1

EFC-38 Wood Deck and Siding Cleaner/Stripper was developed to tackle your tough wood restoration projects fast. This unique formulation provides the strength necessary to strip most semi-transparent stains and sealers, dead grey wood, mold, mildew and heavy accumulations of grime. Proper surface preparation is the key to successful wood restoration.

This 10LB Container makes up to 20 gallons of stipper at full stregnth. That is enough to restore up to 3000 square feet of wood decking or wood siding!

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Keeping safety for the user, your customers and the environment in mind, EFC-38 was developed to tackle your tough wood deck restoration projects fast. This unique formulation provides the strength necessary to strip most semi-transparent stains and sealers, dead, gray wood, mold, mildew and heavy accumulations of grime.

EFC-38 is a highly developed dry powder formulation that mixes easily with water. Mixing your own solution allows you greater flexibility as well as tremendous savings. Even when mixed at full strength, EFC-38 is less than 1/6 the cost of any comparable liquid formulation. Unlike other per carbonate based cleaners, EFC-38 utilizes a proprietary blend of specialized ingredients which controls pH allowing you to melt off existing finishes without the need for excessive masking.

EFC-38 is safe for use around pets and plants!

AVAILABILITY

EFC-38 is available in 10lb and 30lb contractor tubs. EFC-38 is also available in 450# bulk drums.

DILUTION

The standard mix rate at full strength is 1/2lb per gallon of water.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Try EFC-38 as a general purpose cleaner for vinyl siding, lawn furniture and sidewalks.
For even more dramatic results, follow EFC-38 with Citralic Brightener/Neutralizer on your next wood restoration project.

PRODUCT USAGE

For best results always use EFC-38 as instructed by the product label. Always perform a test patch to determine product suitability. EFC-38 is designed for use on all exterior wood.

First apply EFC-38 to a small inconspicuous area of about one square foot. Choose a spot on the deck, fence or siding that is well protected from the elements such as behind a bush or under a planter or mat on a deck. The idea is to choose an area that will present the greatest challenge.

After you have applied the EFC-38 to the test patch, allow to dwell 5 - 10 minutes and perform a scratch test. Using a tongue depressor (or a stick) scratch with light pressure back and forth over the treated surface. If the surface can easily be removed showing bare wood stop the test and note the dwell time. If the surface resists the scratch test allow an additional 5 minutes of dwell time keeping the surface wet with EFC-38 and perform another scratch test. When you are able to easily remove the finish with a scratching motion, note the total dwell time and rinse the surface thoroughly.

Depending on the age, type and condition of the finish you are removing, the dwell time can be anywhere from 5 - 15 minutes. The dwell time may be longer if there are multiple coats of finish that need to be removed.

PRODUCT APPLICATION

When applying EFC-38 be sure to take necessary masking precautions. Protect all adjacent surfaces that are not to be stripped. Protect vegetation from direct overspray. EFC-38 should not cause spotting on most plants. If plants do spot, this will only effect existing foliage. New growth will not be effected.

Apply product from bottom to top being careful to saturate the entire surface you intend to clean. When working on large areas, keep the product wet for the duration of the dwell time. If the product dries, it has quit working. For best results keep wet with a mist of EFC-38.

When cleaning a cedar home or log cabin treat the bottom three courses of an entire wall then work back treating the next three courses. Continue in this manner until you have reached the top of the wall. Keep the surface wet with an additional misting of EFC-38 as necessary.

FINISH REMOVAL

Perform a scratch test on the finish being sure to pick a spot that would likely be the toughest to remove. If the surface can easily be scratched off revealing bare wood beneath you are ready to rinse. If the surface is not easily removed, allow additional dwell time keeping the surface wet.

When you are ready to rinse the surface use a pressure washer at the lowest possible pressure. 600 - 900 PSI is ideal. Work following the same pattern you used when applying the EFC-38. Rinsing should be done in a sweeping motion, fanning your strokes at the beginning and end. After you have removed the finish from the entire surface you are working on give the surface a good rinse.

BRIGHTENING

After rinsing apply Citralic Brightener / Neutralizer to restore the woods natural color and pH.

Application Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is EFC-38 different than a percarbonate cleaner?

EFC-38 contains a percarbonate, but is not like a straight percarbonate cleaner. EFC-38 was designed to remove aged and failing oil-based wood finishes. It will perform many jobs that a percarbonate cleaner can not do. EFC-38 is safe to use and makes an excellent tool for wood restoration.

Q. What finishes will EFC-38 remove?

EFC-38 works on removing oil based finishes such as TWP®, READY SEAL®, WOLMAN®, OLYMPIC®, CUPRINOL® and other semitransparent finishes.

Q. How much EFC-38 should I use per gallon?

Mix 8 oz (1/2 LB) per gallon of water for full strength. In dry measure that is about 2/3 cup. You can then dilute up to 4 to 1 with water depending on the job at hand.

Q. What if I mix too much and have more than is needed for the job, will any left over EFC-38 go bad?

EFC-38 should be used within a couple of hours from the time it is mixed. Beyond that it looses it's effectiveness as a stripper. You should also take care to keep the powder dry when you store it. The shelf life of the dry powder is 6 months so be sure and keep your supply fresh.

Q. How do I know when EFC-38 is working?

The coating will change color and any mold or mildew should actively fizz up and turn white. Use a scratch test to determine when the existing finish has been fully emulsified and is ready to strip.

Q. How long does EFC-38 take to work?

It is going to do it's job in about 15 min. If you have a stubborn finish you may allow for additional dwell time keeping the surface wet.

Q. What if I can't see the wood under a solid color stain? How do I tell if EFC-38 has gone through all the layers?

If you are working on a solid color stain you should be using HD-80. EFC-38 is only going to make the finish nice and clean.

Q. Will EFC-38 remove mold & mildew or should I add bleach?

In most cases EFC-38 will easily remove mold and mildew. You should see it work drastically when it comes in contact with mold or mildew. If there is an extreme build up of mold and mildew you can apply additional EFC-38 to fully eradicate the infestation. (NEVER mix bleach with EFC-38)

Q. The wood has turned dark after treatment! How do I get it to lighten up?

Use Citralic Brightener/Neutralizer to brighten up the wood.

Q. Do I always have to use a Brightener/Neutralizer after I use EFC-38?

No, EFC-38 finishes off close to neutral. As long as you rinse well you do not have to use a neutralizer. You may wish to brighten that extra bit to help make your work stand out among the competition.

Q. Can EFC-38 be used on other surfaces?

EFC-38 can be used to clean concrete, vinyl siding, brick, Trex and PVC. You can also use EFC-38 as a safe roof cleaner

Q. Will EFC-38 harm plants or grass?

Nope, unless they are extremely delicate such as lacy ferns or soft petal flowers and they are in direct sunlight. In such cases the water causes the sun to burn the plants. Shake the excess water off to prevent burning.

Q. Is EFC-38 harmful to humans or pets?

Not if you use common sense and handle it properly. It was designed to be safe for the user and the environment.