A wooden deck is a great choice to add charm and aesthetics to your outdoor space.
However, like any material exposed to the elements, wood can deteriorate over time.
Sandblasting is a commonly used method to bring a wooden deck back to life and protect it from the elements.
In this article, we will highlight the importance of sanding for the maintenance of your wooden terrace and why it is sometimes essential.
What is sandblasting?
Sandblasting is a process that involves rubbing abrasive particles (sand, synthetic diamond, emery, zirconium alumina and more) on a wooden surface using a specific machine.
This action removes the damaged top layer of wood and reveals a clean, smooth surface underneath.
Sanding is often followed by a finishing treatment, such as applying a stain or oil to protect the wood.
The importance of sanding for the maintenance of your wooden terrace
Sanding is essential to keeping your wood deck in good condition for the following reasons:
Extend the life of the terrace:
By removing damaged top layers and preparing the surface for a finishing treatment, sanding helps extend the life of your wood deck.
Prevention of rot:
Sanding helps remove stains, dirt and moisture that can promote the growth of mold and fungus, preventing wood rot.
Appearance improvement:
Sandblasting can restore your deck to its original appearance, removing discolorations and imperfections caused by weather and wear.
Security :
Wood decks that have rough areas, chips or cracks can be dangerous to walk on.
Sandblasting helps smooth out these imperfections and prevent the risk of injury.
When is it essential to sand your wooden terrace?
Sanding becomes essential for the maintenance of your wooden terrace in the following situations:
- Your deck shows visible signs of deterioration, such as cracks, chips or rough areas.
- You want to change the color or finish treatment of your terrace.
- You notice a significant buildup of dirt, stains or discoloration on the wood surface.
Alternatives to sandblasting
If sandblasting is not for you or you are looking for alternatives, you can try the following methods:
Chemical stripping:
It involves applying a stripping product such as Sansin Wood-Strip to the surface of the wood to remove the damaged top layer.
High pressure cleaning:
This technique uses a high-pressure water jet to remove stains and dirt without damaging the wood surface.
However, caution must be exercised with this method, as too powerful a jet can damage the wood.
To ensure a beautiful finish we recommend finishing with mechanical sandblasting.
Tips for properly sanding your wooden terrace
If you decide to sand your wood deck, here are some tips to get the best results:
Choose the right abrasive:
The type of abrasive used when sandblasting is crucial to achieving optimal results.
Sand grains, synthetic diamond, Emery, Zirconium alumina are some examples of commonly used abrasives.
The ideal abrasive will depend on the hardness of the wood and the condition of the surface.
Protect surrounding areas:
Sandblasting can produce a lot of dust and debris.
Protect plants, furniture and other surrounding items by covering or temporarily moving them.
Work in sections:
Sanding your deck in sections will help ensure that each area is properly treated.
This will also make it easier to control the quality of your work.
One board at a time as the paper becomes less effective with each piece you sand.
Rain can cause various problems:
Water can cause wood fibers to swell, reducing the effectiveness of sanding and possibly even damaging the wood surface.
Additionally, it prevents the dye from penetrating properly, as the water takes up space that the dye should have taken up.
Wear protective equipment:
Sandblasting can be dangerous to your health if you are not properly protected.
Wear safety glasses, gloves, long-sleeved clothing and a mask to protect yourself from airborne particles.
Extreme situation, sandblasting in full sun.
We will explore the potential problems of solar sandblasting, including increased production of oils and resins, and how this can affect the quality of the finish.
Problem 1: Increased production of oils and resins
When the sun is at its zenith and the temperature is very high, the heat can cause an increase in the production of oils and resins on the surface of the wood.
These substances can create a sticky layer that makes the sandblasting process more difficult and less effective.
As a result, instead of removing imperfections and preparing the surface for finishing, sandblasting may simply polish the surface, making it smoother but less conducive to the adhesion of finishing products.
Problem 2: Surface polishing and reduced product adhesion
When sandpaper is used to sand a surface covered with oils and resins, it can smooth over that surface instead of removing unwanted material.
As a result, the surface is polished instead of sanded, which can reduce the adhesion of finishing products such as paints and stains.
Problem 3: Reduced dye penetration
The presence of oils and resins on the wood surface can also hinder the penetration of stains.
Stains need to be absorbed into the pores of the wood to achieve a uniform and lasting coloration.
When the wood surface is covered with oils and resins, stains cannot penetrate properly, which can lead to unsightly results and reduced durability.
Solutions - Choosing an appropriate time for sandblasting:
To avoid problems with sandblasting in direct sunlight, it is best to work early in the morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are cooler and the sun is less intense.
Conclusion
Sanding is sometimes essential for the maintenance of your wooden terrace.
It is essential to extend the life of the deck, prevent rot, improve its appearance and ensure the safety of people who use it.
If you notice signs of deterioration or want to change the appearance of your deck, sanding can be a crucial step in bringing your outdoor space back to life.