No matter what task you're undertaking, Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® products make it easier. Below is an easy deck care and maintenance check list for cleaning, protecting, and applying product. You'll find the right Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® products to meet your specific needs.

Step #1 Cleaning

All exterior wood from decks to fences to siding, should be cleaned before sealing, staining or painting. Even new wood can have dirt or other invisible barriers to the penetration of a coating. For instance, new wood can have an invisible mill glaze, caused when the heat of the milling equipment reacts with the natural oils in the wood.

Here is a basic guide to follow when selecting a wood cleaning product.

For Wood and/or Composite Surfaces

If You Need To Remove:	Use:
Stains from dirt, mildew, algae & fungus and there is little or no trace of a residual finish.	Thompson's® WaterSeal® Deck Wash
Weathered clear & tinted waterproofers or semi-transparent stains in addition to stains from dirt, mildew, algae & fungus.	Thompson's® WaterSeal® Heavy Duty Deck Cleaner
Oil & water based solid stains and long-lasting, hard-to-remove semi-transparent stains & waterproofers in addition to stains from dirt, mildew, algae & fungus.	Thompson's® WaterSeal® Maximum Strength Deck Stripper
On REDWOOD / CEDAR / HIGH EXTRACTIVE Wood: Tannin staining and restore lighter color of redwood/ cedar/ mahogany or other high extractive wood species in addition to remove stains from dirt, mildew, algae & fungus and/or, as instructed, to neutralize any wood species after using other cleaners.	Thompson's® WaterSeal® Deck Cleaner & Brightener

For Exterior Multi-Surfaces

If You Need To Remove:	Use:
On EXTERIOR SURFACES such as Wood & Composite Decks, Fences, Concrete & Masonry, Outdoor Furniture, Roofs & Siding: Stains from dirt, mildew, algae and fungus with a non-bleach, chlorine-free oxygenated foaming formula.	Thompson's® WaterSeal® Oxy Foaming Action Exterior Multi-Surface Cleaner

Step #2 Waterproofing

After cleaning, your wood will need protection from water damage. It is important to wait 2-3 days, depending on weather conditions, for the wood to dry thoroughly before applying a Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® waterproofer or stain. Products like Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Advanced waterproofers may be applied after only a few hours, depending on the cleaner you choose. Use Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® waterproofers and stains to protect your wood from the elements and provide the highest level of waterproofing protection available.

• Add clear protection that allows wood to gray naturally with Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Clear Multi-Surface Waterproofer, or add maximum strength protection with Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Advanced Clear Multi-Surface Waterproofer.
• Add clear protection that allows wood to maintain its natural color in a coating that resists mildew and UV damage with Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Waterproofer Plus Clear Wood Protector, or add maximum strength protection with Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Advanced Natural Wood Protector.
• Add some color and protection that allows wood texture and grain to show in a coating that resists mildew and UV damage with Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Waterproofer Plus Tinted Wood Protector, Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Advanced Tinted Wood Protector, or Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Deck & House Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stains.
• Add more color and protection that allows wood texture to show but hides grain in a coating that resists mildew and UV damage with Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Deck & House Latex Solid Waterproofing Stains or Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Deck & House Oil Solid Waterproofing Stains.

Step #3 Application

• The efficiency of a pump-up sprayer greatly reduces the length of time it takes to complete your project. Pump-up sprayers can be used with most waterproofers, but they should not be used for stains.
• Depending on the job, brushes, rollers and exterior applicator pads can be ideal for easy product application. Brushes are particularly effective in tight or hard-to-reach spaces.