How to remove black spots from Spotted Gum deck?

[johnw147]

Hi guys,

Any advice would be great, spotted gum deck is 10 years old. Cleaned it twice with napisan and once with Cabot’s deck clean, power washed each time.

last. Last clean and oil was May 2023.

 

 

Black spots remain - any recommendations on best course of action ?

Thanks !

John

[EricL]

Hello @johnw147 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your spotted gum deck.

I believe that cleaning the surface is no longer a viable alternative. I suggest sanding the surface of the timber deck to remove the dead lignin. Once the dead layer of timber has been sanded away you should see the spotted gums original finish. Once you've finished sanding the entire deck you can then oil it with your preferred colour. 

Here are some handy step-by-step guides:

• How to clean a deck
   
• How to sand a deck
   
• Choosing the right finish for your deck
   
• How to oil your deck

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

[johnw147]

Thanks Eric!

What would be the consequence of oiling and not sanding ? I’ve cleaned it as best as possible.

thanks 

John 

[MitchellMc]

There's likely not going to be a huge amount of consequences @johnw147. If you were to sand and oil, then the deck will come up like new. If you don't sand and just oil it, it will look like an aged deck.

Not addressing the currently aged timber might shorten the life of the decking to some extent, but as long as you regularly oil your deck (at least once a year), you shouldn't have any issues; it's more the aesthetics.

Mitchell

[johnw147]

Thanks Mitchell,