Refinishing Cedar Gazebo (strip & re-stain)


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Old 05-15-16, 05:28 PM
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Refinishing Cedar Gazebo (strip & re-stain)

I’m looking for suggestions on tackling this job using a reasonable amount of time & effort. It’s a friend’s gazebo so I would like to do a good job but don’t want to make this into a month long project.
• I’m reluctant to use harsh chemicals.
• I have access to a pressure washer but have been told that it can damage the wood.
• Would like to finish it with semi-transparent stain

Gazebo:
• 12 X 12 with upper half being windows
• exterior walls to be done along with floor
• originally stained with semi-transparent stain about 15 years ago
• was redone a number of years ago with semi-transparent stain but I suspect not correctly as it is now peeling and the wood appears to be multi-coloured.

1. What technique is best to remove the old stain: chemical or sanding?
2. Would vertical surfaces be treated differently than horizontal?
3. Would I use a brightener regardless how the old stain was removed?
4. Any recommendations as to brand name products to use in the Great White North (Canada)?

I tried a number of times to upload a picture following posted directions, but it kept failing.
 
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Old 05-15-16, 07:39 PM
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Semi transparent stain does not peel, it fades.
Really could use those pictures.
 
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Old 05-15-16, 08:21 PM
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Not sure if this will get interested parties to a picture or not. I'm trying!








 

Last edited by PJmax; 05-17-16 at 07:11 AM. Reason: added pictures/links
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Old 05-16-16, 03:34 AM
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I've seen semi-transparent stains peel, even toner or translucent stains can peel. A lot depends on how it was applied and the weather it's exposed to. Improper prep can also cause it.

I'd try a stain stripper or TSP [tri sodium phosphate] and see how that goes. The more you can remove chemically the better - I'm not fond of sanding You'll need to remove the failing stain before you'd even know if a brightener would be needed but I suspect not. A pressure washer can be a good aid in cleaning a deck but care must be used. Too much pressure or too close to the wood with the tip will damage the wood .... and cedar is softer wood than PT pine.

Often coatings that work well in one climate don't fare as well in another. I'd suggest asking friends/acquaintances what has worked well for them. Generally you'll find better coatings and advice at a paint store versus a paint dept.

btw - welcome to the forums!
 
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Old 05-16-16, 10:11 AM
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Thanks for the welcome & the info.
 
 

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