[RPetry]

Daniel,

This is what has me confused. Bear with me, I got a "D" in college freshman chemistry. Classes at 8:00 AM a mile away did not help.

Two aspects of an acid application. It "neutralizes" or gets the pH down from caustic percarbs or NaOH strippers. In addition, it does have the ability to "brighten" or lighten the surface coloring of the wood, both softwoods and hardwoods.

So why the surfactants and soap? You have already cleaned or stripped the wood. Blew it off with a ton of water and some pressure. Why put "soap", whatever that is back on, and why the surfactants?

All I know is we have been using citric acid without rinsing and Ready Seal for close to 8 yrs. now. The process came from a few "old salt" contractors many years ago and it works. Our stain finishes last as long if not longer than most other contractors, certainly here in NJ's climate.