Stripping a deck with Equisol Xcoat

Professional stripping of a film coated deck without sanding, using Equisol Xcoat and some pro tips to get the job done right.
For this job we used
– Equisol Xcoat concentrated industrial strength stripper
– Equisol Prime timber priming and preparation for removing all traces of Xcoat after stripping
– Equisol Vitalise timber rejuvenator to brighten the timber and ready it to accept Equisol Pro E365 stabilising oil

Step 1 – Preparation
Sweep deck of all dirt.
Mask up all areas that Xcoat may splash against, including walls, counters, railings and garden areas. Equisol Xcoat will damage paint and other surfaces such as metal.

Step 2 – Applying Xcoat Stripper
Ensure you are fully masked and gloved.
Mix 1 part Equisol Xcoat concentrate with 1 party water.
Pro tip: For really stubborn old film coatings or many layers of paint, mix 3 parts Equisol Xcoat with 2 parts water.
Apply to dry deck. We used a sprayer, but it can be applied by broom
Take time to get into the corners, where sanding will be hard.
Apply evenly across the timber, leaving no dry patches.
Work on an area of 20sqm if you are new to the process. Avoid the temptation of doing too much. The deck will dry and the Xcoat won’t work!
Equisol Xcoat needs to stay wet to work. Mist the deck with water spay constantly.
Leave on for 30 mins.
Reapply Equisol Xcoat across the whole area again. Careful the deck will be very slippery!!!
Leave on another 30 mins, making sure the deck stays wet with water mist. Don’t wet too much, or you will wash the stripper off the deck!!
Xcoat will darken the deck as it loosens the old film. Sometimes the deck can go black! This is not a problem.

Step 3 – Removing Equisol Xcoat stripper
You can test if the old coating is loose with a plastic or metal scraper. If the coating comes away showing the bare timber underneath, the timber is ready.
Pro tip: Use a scraper to remove film in hard to get area like the corners.
Use a mechanical scrubber or stiff broom to remove the loose surface.
Hose during scrubbing to help loosen stripped surface and keep brush from clogging.
Sweep up loose coating and dispose in plastic bag.
Then use a high pressure water gun or gurney to wash off Xcoat. Keep timber wet during this process to avoid old coating drying to surface again

Step 4 – Priming the deck with Equisol Prime
Now that the deck is raw, you will need to apply Equisol Prime to remove all traces of Xcoat stripper and prepare the deck to accept oil.
Mix with 1 part Equisol Prime with 1 part water as per the instructions
Apply by broom or sprayer.
Use a broom or mechanical scrubber to work Equisol Prime into the timber.
Leave on for 20 mins, ensuring deck does not dry out. Keep reapplying your Equisol Prime solution or water mist.
Remove with mechanical scrubber or broom, and hose.

Step 5 – Brightening the deck with Equisol Vitalise
Equisol Xcoat will darken the timber. Equisol Vitalise will brighten it again back to its natural colour.
Mix with 1 part Equisol Vitalise with 1 part water as per the instructions
Apply by broom or sprayer.
Use a broom or mechanical scrubber to work Equisol Vitalise into the timber.
Pro tip: Black spots or stubborn stains can be removed by pouring undiluted vitalise on the patch and leaving it for a few minutes.
Leave on for 20 mins, ensuring deck does not dry out. Keep reapplying your Equisol Vitalise solution or water mist.
Hose off Vitalise thoroughly, leaving no residue.
Speed up drying time with a mop.

A beautiful raw deck, back to its original glory. No sanding needed!!