How to Remove Pressure Treated Wood Stamps
For new DIY deck builds, one thing that is crucial for deck builders to keep in mind before getting started is learning how to remove the ink stamps from their pressure treated decking and lumber. While the ink stamps on pressure treated wood are helpful when planning and shopping for your DIY deck build, these mill stamps can leave an eyesore of stain on your finished deck.
These helpful mill stamps can inform you where the lumber has been cut and processed as well as confirm for you the grade and wood species of your material. Find out how to remove the pressure treated wood stamps from your deck lumber and keep your outdoor living space looking its very best!
How to Get Ink Stamps Off Treated Wood
The mill stamps on pressure treated wood are generally made form a water-based ink which means that time, moisture, and foot traffic can all cause the stain to fade away over time. If you're planning on showcasing your outdoor living space to family and friends soon, however, you may want to skip the wait and remove those ink stamps from your decking.
How to Remove Ink Stamps from Treated Wood
Paint or Stain Over the Wood Stamps
If the DIY deck builder is planning on applying a paint or stain on the newly built deck, you don't necessarily have to worry about removing the mill stamp. Paint or apply the stain per the instructions making sure to brush with lumber's grain. You may want to apply two coats for the stain to be completely covered. By the time a new coat of stain or paint is required, the mill stamp should have faded away.
Soap and Brillo Pad to Remove Pressure Treated Wood Stamps
Speed up the process of removing the ink stamps from lumber by scrubbing it off with a bar of soap and a brillo pad. These are convenient items that you may have on hand to remove bothersome stamps from your pressure treated wood.
Sand the Ink Stamps Off Treated Wood
Sanding is a very effective method to remove ink stamps from pressure treated wood. Use a simple 80-grit sandpaper and gently sand the ink stamped area back and forth. Moving along the wood's grain, lightly remove the top layer of the treated wood until the mill stamp is gone. When the pressure treated wood stamp is gone, wipe the area clear with a damp cloth to remove any loose sawdust.
Wood Brightener and Cleaner
Though normally used to remove dark spots or weathered areas from greyed lumber, homeowners can also use Wood Deck Cleaner and Brightener to remove mill ink stamps. Be sure to always wear gloves and eyegoggles when applying Wood Deck Cleaners and place tarps over any surrounding plants for protection.
You can also clean mold from decking, remove moss from your deck, and clean algae from wood with our deck cleaners and brighteners: Messner’s Cleaner and Brightener or the DeckWise Wood Deck Cleaner and Brightener. In stock and ready to use, these cleaners prevent mold, block algae growth, and bring new life back to your outdoor space.