Lichens growing on Deck

[RWebb]

in the PNW...

I prefer they not grow at the ends of the boards, and in between every deck board

this is a redwood deck with an oil-based stain on it (about 8-10) years old

any clever ideas for restaining or other treatment?


one contractor told me that a water-based stain would prevent moss and lichen growth (since they "eat the oil") - this seems a little dubious to me as lichens are a fungi/algae mutualism that grow well on bare rocks (which in my mountain travels I have found rarely have a lot of oil on them)


thoughts?

[Seahawk]

I just applied Rust-Oleum Restore: Rust-Oleum Restore » Deck & Concrete Restore

My deck is over 15 years old I was tired of the yearly maintenance, plus the deck takes a beating in the summer and from storms off the Potomac. I don't know if it will work for your deck in the PNW.

I'll take some pictures later. Looks ok, nothing spectacular. I still have to stain the vertical rails since the thick coating is for horizontal surfaces only.

I pressure washed the deck and applied the coating the next day. It goes on simply, like spreading browie dough. The second coat goes on this upcoming weekend.

Originally Posted by RWebb

in the PNW...

I prefer they not grow at the ends of the boards, and in between every deck board

this is a redwood deck with an oil-based stain on it (about 8-10) years old

any clever ideas for restaining or other treatment?


one contractor told me that a water-based stain would prevent moss and lichen growth (since they "eat the oil") - this seems a little dubious to me as lichens are a fungi/algae mutualism that grow well on bare rocks (which in my mountain travels I have found rarely have a lot of oil on them)


thoughts?

[scottmandue]

See a dermatologist ASAP!!!

Oh... wait...

On deck... that is very different...

Never-mind!

[RWebb]

Thanks - I guess I should add I would love to have the redwood grain show and a reddish pink color too...

[Flat Six]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

see a dermatologist asap!!!

Oh... Wait...

On deck... That is very different...

Never-mind!

rflmao!

[Don Ro]

Not sure how you send the lichen to hell, but this is what I did to my CA deck years ago (sold in 2008).
First, I sanded it smooth.
.

.
Applied Cabot's Oil Natural. I can't find it...maybe they replaced it with Semi-Transparent Deck & Siding Stain.
.
Cabot Stains Semi-Transparent Deck and Siding Stain | Cabot
.
Here's the deck after application and after a lovely CA rain.
.


.
3 years later.
.


.
BTW, those are 16' Redwood.
.
Good luck.

[Zeke]

I suggest you scrub the deck with hot water and detergent. You can add whatever you're comfortable with for treatment from a little common bleach to oxalic acid.

I do believe it's true that synthetic sealers are better. They are for sue in CA due to restrictions on the sale of products containing VOC's. This in turn has made the manufacturers step up their development of alternative products.

[RWebb]

Thanks all.

Isn't the commercial product 'Deck Cleaner' just dilute oxalic acid with surfactants?

[Burnin' oil]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

See a dermatologist ASAP!!!

Oh... wait...

On deck... that is very different...

Never-mind!

Aaahhh, good one, Scotty! It's a funny thread if you replace the word "deck" with "dick," at least I think so.

[Shifter]

Have you thought to try this?

Wet & Forget | The Ultimate Mold & Mildew Remover & Shower Cleaner.

I know it works wonders on moss in the PNW. But it is sloooow. Six months of ignoring it. One application to my driveway did take the oil stains away, though.

Really don't know how well it works on decks, I haven't had an opportunity to try it yet.