Today we are in Kensington, Maryland, to fix the finish on a clear cedar front entry. The contractor who did the renovation used a home center clear finish with a well known name. It was put on in June so lasted a little less than four months. Unfortunately when the finish fails, mildew grows quickly.
After Cleaning with a solution of TSP and Bleach mixed with water, scrubbing with a coarse brush and letting dry, it is time to put a real finish on.
Sikkens SRD Dark Oak matches the factory Parkflex™ finish perfectly. One coat of stain applied with a green scrubby scrubbing into the surface, wait 5 minutes and wipe with the grain with a clean sponge. Allow to dry 24 hours.
After 24 hours, scuff with dry green pad and wipe surface. Do not use steel wool. Apply first coat of Sikkens SRD Satin Clear with a chinex brush. Brush into surface with grain. Apply a full coat but back brush to remove excess and prevent dripping. Tape adjacent surfaces to prevent brush marks against the grain. This finish should last a while, but will never peel or flake. Maintenance is simply wash with detergent and apply additional coat of Sikkens SRD Satin as need for UV protection.
