How To Protect Your Deck (NAPSA)—Your deck has probably given you hours of enjoyment this spring and summer. But fam- ily gatherings and summerbarbecues can take their toll on any deck. So before the chill in the air turns to harsh winter weather, clean, restore and protect your deck to prepare for the long winter months ahead. Here are a few easy deck maintenance tips to help keep your outdoor living space looking great for years: Clean and restore: Start by cleaning your deck thoroughly to remove any grayed surface fibers, ground-in dirt, barbecue stains and stains from mold, mildew, mossandalgae. For pressure-treated wood, use an environmentally friendly, acidand chlorine-free, oxygen-powered powder concentrate cleaner, such as Wolman DeckBrite Wood Cleaner & Coating Prep. It is tough on stains yet safe to use near plant life and shrubs. For cedar, redwood, mahogany and other exotic hardwood decks—orif you're not sure of the wood type— consider a cleaner that’s formulated to clean all types of wood, such as Wolman Deck & Fence Brightener liquid concentrate. These cleaners restore woodto its natural beauty without bleaching or yellowing. In just 10 minutes, they loosen and lift dirt, stains and discoloration. And they are easy to use—just mix with water, spray on, brush in and rinse off with a garden hose. If your stained or painted deck has seen better days, consider stripping any faded or deteriorating finish with Wolman DeckStrip By using the proper products, you can protect your deck from the elements. Stain & Finish Remover. It re- moves both oil and latex solid, semitransparent or transparent, toner-type stains and prepares your deck for new water-repellent sealers or stains. Protect your deck: After cleaning,it’s important to apply a water-repellent finish such as Wolman RainCoat, F&P or DuraStain to your deck before winter’s onslaught. Formulated to stop rain, sleet, snow and ice from penetrating wood surfaces, Wolman water-repellent coatings minimize water damage such as splitting or warping. The products offer a guarantee against water damage and provide longlasting protection, so you won’t have to reapply a new coat year after year. Plus, they are available in a variety of colors and opacity levels—from totally clear to sheer, transparent natural wood tones to semitransparent shades—so you can protect your deck while achieving virtually any look you desire. For more information on Wolman deck care products and for more helpful deck care tips, visit rustoleum.com.
