How to clean salvaged wood?
by
Jess
+2
This has probably been covered already, but this site is so big & I'm still quite new to it.
There is a huge pile of old wooden pieces next to a shed in my yard, remnants that have been out in the elements for quite some time.
I scored some pretty nifty pieces I want to use for projects, but I'm curious about how one cleans salvaged wood.
So far, I've scrubbed them with dish soap and a wire brush, and rinsed with the "power jet" setting on our garden hose.
Are there any tips I should know regarding extra cleaning before I begin working with it?
Thanks!
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Probably the best thing would be to use an electric sander or maybe if the piece is large to just trim some wood off the sides. I don't think you will get them to look like new wood otherwise.
Painting is your only option unless you sand down the wood.
Oh, I plan on painting. I meant more of make sure the wood is thoroughly clean & bug free, considering it’s been outside forever.
If you plan to paint over it, I think sanding would be sufficient. Check for rot and bug infestation. Also, if you plan on cutting the wood, check for embedded nails or wood screws. Folks like to pressure wash decks from time to time so you might get away with doing that as an initial way to clean. But sanding is a sure bet.