PROSEALJAN13 - Page: 4 of 11

CLEANING: Wood that has never been sealed, whether it is new or old must first be cleaned. Cleaning removes mold, mildew, dirt, and damaged surface wood (the grey material). In those cases where an old sealer is present, it must be completely removed from the wood by stripping, a process that is more involved than cleaning. After cleaning the deck is ready for the next step in its restoration, brightening.

BRIGHTENING: Although your wood is now clean, the PH level has been changed by the cleaning, and it now appears dull and a bit dark. Applying a brightener/neutralizer returns the PH level back to normal and literally brightens the wood and opens the pores to ready the wood to accept sealer.

SEALING: Once cleaned and brightened, the drying period prior to sealing is usually about 48 hours (if the weather cooperates!) Once the wood has dried we test for moisture content, to ensure it is ready for sealing. The sealer that PRO SEAL DECK CARE uses is a semi transparent, deep penetrating parafinic oil sealer. This sealer is environmentally safe, and is well below State and Federal VOC compliance criteria. It is specifically designed for outdoor wood. Sealing protects against UV sun damage, resists water penetration, mold and mildew, and provides penetrating oil to keep the wood from drying out. The result is a restored, preserved, and attractive outdoor wood structure!

MYTH: It is commonly believed that you must wait one year for Pressure Treated Pine to "weather" before sealing. This is not correct - the wood is typically ready for protection within 4-6 weeks. The wood does need to be dry, and the pores opened enough to accept the sealer. We conduct an absorption test to ensure it's ready! Waiting only invites the elements to get to work, so don't give them the chance!