Sometimes, with clear sealants and toners, but often not with other sealant types. In those cases, the surface can be sanded or a SEALANT REMOVER can be applied. The surface is “painted” with the liquid, allowed to work for about 15 minutes, then hand-scrubbed with deck brushes and rinsed with a garden hose or powerwasher to remove all traces of sealant.

This process is also recommended for sensitive wood surfaces, like cedar, that could be very easily damaged by high-pressure water.

The sealant removal must always be followed by the application of a BRIGHTENER, to neutralize the chemical effects of the sealant remover on the wood.  Several rinses, and often a light powerwashing, are applied to complete the neutralization process.

These chemical processes can be very messy and VERY HARMFUL TO PLANTS.  All care must be taken by the owner beforehand to prevent the rinse overflow from falling onto surrounding plant life or pouring into the soil.