Why should I use CPR instead of bleach?
Oxygen bleach is significantly less environmentally harmful or dangerous than chlorine bleach or oxalic acid, yet can do an excellent job of cleaning and bleaching. While it needs to be thoroughly rinsed from any wood it is applied to (just like chlorine bleach or oxalic acid), there is far less risk of damage to coatings applied on wood that has a little oxygen bleach left in it than wood with a little chlorine bleach or oxalic acid. CPR should NOT be used on Redwood or Hemlock, as it causes severe discoloration of the wood. In addition, it will discolor some Cedar wood so should therefore be very carefully tested prior to use on a Cedar home of any kind.
NOTE: When using bleach of any kind, make sure you test a small area before proceeding with the entire project. Oxidizing chemicals can cause undesired color shifts, including tannin bleeding, in various woods. You should be prepared to use whatever cleaner or bleach will work without causing unwanted color shifts.
How do I remove water stains?
Try sanding with a 60 or 80 grit sandpaper first. Any sort of chemical can damage the wood even further and cause more discoloration. Practice your sanding technique and try to blend discolored areas into surrounding areas first. If that doesn't work, you may have to resort to chemicals that will need to be applied exactly according to directions and very thoroughly rinsed off. Try the least harsh chemical first and only resort to a very harsh chemical if the others don't work.Preparation
Cleaner Strength
(for less severe discoloration and surface cleaning)
Mix 1/2 of the container with 4 gallons of clean water in a
clean 5-gallon plastic pail.
Brightener Strength
(for aggressive cleaning)
Mix the entire container with 4 gallons of clean water in a
clean 5-gallon plastic pail.
Mixing
Stir thoroughly until the powder is mostly dissolved (which
will take a few minutes, depending on water temperature). The
solution will begin to “fizz� as the powder dissolves. Not all of
the powder will completely dissolve in the solution; even if all
of the powder is not completely dissolved, the solution is very
usable. For the best and most consistent results, the solution
should be used within 4 hours.
Coverage
At either strength, solution coverage is
between 100 and 150 square feet per gallon
(500-750 square feet per 5 gallons), depending
on the wood porosity.
Application
Warning Avoid contact with eyes and skin and do not ingest. Keep away from children and animals.