Because of the wide variation timber species and types of stains, always test Cutek Proclean before starting your project. This will help you determine how much time you’ll need to leave Cutek Proclean on the timber before rinsing and how much Cutek Proclean you will need for the job.
Unlike bleach, Cutek Proclean is not considered a strong defoliant, however, we recommend using absorbent drop cloths to protect delicate and/or adjacent vegetation and surfaces.
For best results use Cutek Proclean as supplied and stir it well before use. Sometimes, if you’re working with an easy to clean surface Cutek Proclean can be diluted with water. If a choice to dilute the product is made, always test to determine if the dilution being used is effective in cleaning.
Application
Before you begin, note the hazards and precautions on this website and the can labelling, and ensure that you use the correct safety equipment as detailed in the Safety Data Sheet.
After testing a patch of timber and determining the required dilution, if any, apply Cutek Proclean liberally to a pre-wetted timber substrate with brush, roller, or garden sprayer.
Let Cutek Proclean do most of the work by letting it sit on the surface for 10 minutes – 8 hours, or such time as deemed to be necessary by the test procedure. It may be necessary to scrub stubborn stains moderately with a stiff fibre brush.
Removal
Once Cutek Proclean has cleaned the timber, it must be power rinsed off thoroughly. For best results, power rinse with a high-pressure washer set to under 750 p.s.i. (50 bar), with a fan jet pattern to avoid damage to the wood fibre.
Clean from the highest point and work downwards methodically. ALWAYS clean off with a water jet that produces a “putty knife” shaped fan that is 40–50mm wide about 100mm out from jet. Adopt a continuous “mowing action” working with power water fan-jet 100mm from the face of the substrate. DO NOT use “turbojets” on timber. CAUTION must be used when cleaning soft timber to reduce the pressure and avoid damaging the sapwood.
The longer that Cutek Proclean is left on the substrate, the greater the rinse time required.
Additionally, certain types of wood surfaces may leave a raised grain effect after stripping is completed. Sanding or poly pad scrubbing may be required to smooth out this condition.
If Cutek Proclean is being used to remove mill glaze (a smooth glossy surface found on smooth newly sawn timber, which is impervious to most coatings) use the same procedure as above.
Recoating with a Cutek oil
Following the restoration of the timber with Cutek Proclean, it is important to complete the restoration process by coating the timber with an appropriate Cutek oil, following the procedures detailed in this website.
Not treating the timber after cleaning will result in the weathering process occurring more rapidly than prior to cleaning.
Precautions
Cutek Proclean will make surfaces slippery so DO NOT walk on the surface until it is dry. Water flush all equipment, vegetation, paths, concrete, asphalt, and other adjacent surfaces immediately upon contact.
Always remember that Cutek Proclean is a hazardous chemical, and refer to the health and safety considerations listed in the Safety Data Sheet prior to commencing any project.
Fully protect adjacent surfaces including vegetation and be aware of the potential for wind drift into areas with cars or pedestrian traffic when rinsing or applying.
Never leave behind any containers or equipment, and appropriately label any containers of residue for disposal.