Spring showers might have brought summer flowers, but odds are the raindrops haven't been beading on the surface of most decks. Studies show that nearly 40 million American homes have wood decks, yet only 25 percent of those decks are stained and sealed each year. So, why aren't homeowners protecting their decks from harsh weather and the wear and tear of regular use? According to recent research conducted by ICI Paints, many avoid the task because of the immense amount of time and labor involved.
“ This product transforms a necessary, yet cumbersome, chore into a quick, simple and convenient task. ”
"In the past, deck staining has been such a long and complex process -- often taking several weeks to complete," points out Rula Stamatis of ICI Paints. "There's a real concern about making costly mistakes and about not being able to fit the task into already busy schedules. As a result decks often are cleaned and stained only when repairs become absolutely necessary and quite expensive."
Now there's a tool available that makes it possible to complete the entire job in about an hour. Simple enough for even the most novice do-it-yourselfer, Glidden Deck-it requires no expensive equipment, such as a power washer. The Glidden Deck-it stain/sealant is a three-step system that cleans, rinses and seals to protect the beauty of the wood. The product simply attaches to the end of a garden hose and contains two separate plastic chambers that hold cleaner and stain. An easy-to-read dial allows the user to transition quickly between the following three steps:
* First, Glidden Deck-it cleans the surface of all residue and dirt. A cleaner (which is safe for use around plants) removes mold, mildew, algae and dirt while restoring wood to its natural state.
* Next, the nozzle is moved to send fresh water to rinse and neutralize the cleaner from the surface and remove standing water.
* Finally, the deck is protected with a sealant in one of three finishes -- Clear, Honey Gold or Cedar Brown -- that waterproofs the surface, provides UV protection and adds mildew resistance. It's not necessary to wait for the cleaner to dry before applying the sealant.
Glidden Deck-it provides dramatic time savings over the traditional deck maintenance process -- taking approximately one hour to clean and seal and drying in approximately four to six hours, according to Stamatis. The results last for one full year.
"When spring arrives, most everyone wants to enjoy the outdoors and not deal with the mess and hassle of a complicated deck staining project," says Stamatis, who was instrumental in the development of Glidden Deck-it. "This product transforms a necessary, yet cumbersome, chore into a quick, simple and convenient task. With Glidden Deck-it, it's possible to redo a deck in the morning, and host a cookout in the afternoon."
Available online at www.gliddendeck-it.com for $24.99 plus tax and shipping, Glidden Deck-it can be ordered in time to prepare a deck for spring and summer. Allow at least two weeks for delivery. For more information on the product, application and store locations, go to the Glidden Deck-it Web site.
Courtesy of ARA Content
