White film after efc38/citralic

[gt2003]

I mixed 2lbs to about 4 1/2 gallons total.

I had to get this thing done so i actually went and bought a cabots stripper and stripped the entire thing (floors and railing) with good results (and brightened). I spent literally the entire day today staining. It looks good! I'll let it dry overnight and take some pictures tomorrow and post them. It is pretty red though, but I like it.

Should I go with the HD80 next time? Or, stick with the EFC-38 and just make sure I've got more than enough on hand to keep rewetting with the cleaner? Should I mix it differently?

Next time I will have everything together to complete the project in the spring, before its a 100 degrees like it was today. I really fought with keeping the cleaner wet. It wanted to dry out the second I sprayed it on, even at 7am. So, I would mist it down with water and I bet I just diluted it too much to do the trick.

[bigchaz]

Sounds like you mixed it good enough, its probably just a matter of not enough dwell time. On hot days it can be difficult. Its tricky for you because ordering too much means it just goes to waster. On my end, I keep stuff wet with more cleaner, but having a couple hundred pounds of the stuff makes it a bit easier

Next time, you shouldnt need HD80 to do the maintenance coat on the deck. Just a light cleaning...some soap and water to remove dirt, pollen, etc and you can put another light coat of stain on. Now if things get in bad shape, or the stain starts looking real rough, then yea go ahead and strip it before doing another coat of stain

[gt2003]

Thanks Charlie. I'll post pics on my deck restoration journal as well as a couple in the Armstrong-Clark thread. Let me know what you think. I'll try to get some good pics that show good detail.