I’ll start with what I know. I know I can use bleach 3% mix if neutralized with oxalic or citric. I don’t believe I’ll be able to downstream with I highdraw injector. I have a 12 volt system I’m setting up. So should I use sodium percarbonate and around 1200 psi? The customer wants it prepped for sealant I told her she would have to wait to 2 weeks after the wash. Is that solid info? It’s 40’ wide. Can this be softwashed and get the desired effect with a hot enough mix?
Xjet potash, rinse.
Thank you sir. I don’t have an xjet so I’ll just batch mix. And you are saying no pressure needed? Is potash the same a percarbonate. I looked it up and it came up as a fertilizer I suppose I can get it at a feed store. Thanks again.
Caustic potash. Sodium hydroxide.
Put on a strong mix and you shouldn’t need pressure to rinse
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One more question don’t hit me. I know you live true to your name as resident grump and I appreciate the time you’ve already taken to answer me. I’ve obviously never used potash so I’m not sure as to what’s a strong mix. I found it in a powder form just not sure how much is enough to purchase. I tried to look on hear for some ratios but I don’t have much time at the moment about to come off of lunch. I plan on doing a lot of reading tonight when I get home.
I am not much of a measure stuff out guy. If you are downstreaming, I’d mix 6 or seven coffee sups of powder in a five gallon pail of water and try it. Don’t put the lid on and shake it. It gets hot and creates pressure when the cap is on. Basically, mix as much product as will dissolve into the five gallons
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Awesome thanks for the tip on not blowing myself up even though it probably wouldn’t be that dramatic. My DS is 10:1 I’ll give it a go.
He mostly goes after people giving out crap advice or other nonsense. @Innocentbystander one liners are hilarious more often than not. There was a post where someone asked whats was the max gpm a gx39o will put out and he linked a transfer pump and replied with some like 87 gallons a minute. I about fell over
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I know he’s a well spring of knowledge!
Potash(potassium hydroxide) and sodium hydroxide are two different chemicals but act similar on wood. I use about 4 cups per 5 gallons. Sometimes I can get away with downstreaming, but usually an x-jet with no proportioner works much better and faster. You shouldn’t have to use too much pressure to rinse. But make sure you rinse very thoroughly. Also don’t treat too much at once. That strong of either potassium or sodium hydroxide mix will likely fur the wood after about 15-20 mins.
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Good info
So since I don’t have an xjet should I batch mix and run my 12volt? Also what’s the dwell time? I haven’t purchased any chems yet do you have a place you would recommend? Many questions I know.
He said it in the last sentence on the dwell time. Ive heard of guys using Florida labs and bulk apothecary for things like these. Ebay maybe. Look around you local area. Might save you money on shipping because both potash and sod hydrox are caustic and hazardous
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I misunderstood that part. I thought he meant not to let it go near that length. (Which I suppose would be the dwell time) At times I’m a little special thanks man!
I guess you can batch mix it. I don’t know the ratios I’m guessing it’s about 5:1 so approx 4 cups of sodium hydroxide for every 20-25 gallons of water should be close. Remember you can always go stronger. It’s easier to reapply than try to fix the side of the building.
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I’ll stick with the injector then. That’s the last thing I’d like to be doing. Thanks for your input and help!
If you use either of the hydroxides, plan on following with either oxalic or citrus acid to neutralize the PH and brighten the wood. It should get it back close to it’s original color.
Should I follow with the same procedure if SH is applied? Is it 1 cup per gallon with the oxalic? I’ll be checking out the deck 101 deal once I get settled in. Thanks for the knowledge bombs.
What kind of machine do you have. I could wash that with my 4gpm idled down. Ive did a huge fence and a few decks like that. Last bigger place i did like that i used my 12volt and got the same results. I prefer it though because i can add or dilute my mix.
Follow up with oxalic.
