Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Maximum Strength Deck Stripper – 1 Gallon

Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Maximum Strength Deck Stripper is specially formulated to remove the toughest weathered clear and tinted waterproofers, as well as both oil-based and water-based solid and semi-transparent stains from decks, fences, outdoor furniture, and other exterior wood surfaces. It works to restore the wood back to its natural color and beauty by also removing accumulated stains from dirt, mildew, algae, and fungus.

This ready-to-use stripper prepares old, coated wood for a new protective finish. Important: This product is designed for previously finished wood; it should NOT be used on new or untreated wood as it may cause “fuzzing” or raise the wood’s grain. After using Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Maximum Strength Deck Stripper, it is strongly recommended to use a wood brightener to neutralize the surface. This step is crucial for achieving the best performance and appearance of your subsequently applied waterproofer or stain, and it will also help fully restore the natural color and beauty of woods like Redwood and Cedar, which may darken from the stripping process.

Key Features:

• Powerful Stripping Action: Removes tough oil-based and water-based solid and semi-transparent stains, plus tinted and clear waterproofers.
• Restores Wood’s Natural Look: Helps bring wood back to its natural color by removing old finishes and weathering.
• Cleans Surface Contaminants: Effectively removes stains from dirt, mildew, algae, and fungus.
• Ready To Use: Convenient, no-mixing formula.
• Prepares for Refinishing: Ideal for use before applying a new waterproofer or stain.
• Exterior Wood Surfaces: Designed for decks, fences, outdoor furniture, and other exterior wood.

Approximate Coverage: 150 ft²/gallon. Actual coverage will vary due to the porosity of the surface material and the thickness of the coating being removed.

Product Application & Use:

Before You Begin (CRITICAL PRECAUTIONS):

• CORROSIVE – CONTAINS SODIUM HYDROXIDE: Handle with extreme care. Causes severe burns.
• Not for New/Untreated Wood: May cause wood to “fuzz” or raise the grain.
• Test Patch: ALWAYS test on an inconspicuous area before applying to the entire surface to ensure desired results and check for any adverse reactions on your specific wood type.
• Surface Condition: Product can be applied to dry or damp wood.
• Protect Surroundings: Remove or completely cover all deck furniture, plants, shrubs, and decorative items. Do not allow product to contact aluminum, painted, or finished surfaces you do not intend to strip. Protect glass from contact. Saturate the ground around plants/shrubs with fresh water before application, cover them completely, uncover promptly after rinsing the treated surface, and re-saturate the ground with fresh water.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear impervious chemical-resistant rubber gloves, safety goggles/face shield, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants during use. Do not wear contact lenses. Avoid prolonged contact with clothing, carpet, or fabric.
• Redwood/Cedar: May substantially darken these woods. Using a wood brightener after stripping is essential to help restore their natural color.
• Work in Sections: Treat small, manageable areas at a time (what you can complete scrubbing and rinsing on within 10-15 minutes). For horizontal surfaces, walk backwards. For vertical surfaces, work from the bottom up.
• Slippery When Wet: Treated surfaces will be extremely slippery. Exercise extreme caution.

Application Directions:

1. PPE: Ensure all recommended Personal Protective Equipment is worn.
2. Container: Add contents to a plastic bucket or plastic watering can. Do NOT use a metal container.
3. Application Method: DO NOT APPLY THROUGH ANY TYPE OF SPRAY EQUIPMENT. Contact with spray mist causes severe eye, skin, and respiratory tract burns. Apply liberally with a synthetic bristle brush or roller, or pour liberally from a plastic watering can.
4. Dwell Time: Apply to an area no larger than you can work on within 10-15 minutes. Allow the stripper to work for 10-15 minutes. Do not let Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Maximum Strength Deck Stripper completely dry during application. If it starts to dry, re-wet the surface with more product.
5. Scrub: After the dwell time, scrub the surface vigorously with a synthetic, stiff-bristle brush (do NOT use a wire or natural bristle brush) to lift and remove the loosened stain or finish. Keep the brush wet to aid cleaning.
6. Stubborn Areas: If stubborn areas remain, reapply the stripper to those spots and repeat the scrubbing process.
7. Rinse Thoroughly: Immediately and thoroughly rinse the surface with a garden hose (with a good nozzle) or a pressure washer (on a low/gentle setting to avoid damaging wood) to remove all stripper residue and loosened finish. Ensure all residue is washed away.
8. Neutralize with Brightener: After thorough rinsing, it is strongly recommended to apply a wood brightener (such as Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Deck Cleaner & Brightener) to neutralize the stripped surface. This prepares the wood for optimal performance of the new waterproofer or stain and helps restore the wood’s natural color. Follow the brightener’s label directions.
9. Final Rinse: After using the brightener (if applicable), rinse the area thoroughly again, including surrounding plants and ground.

Dry Time (Before Applying New Waterproofer/Stain): Wait 2–3 days (48-72 hours), depending on weather conditions, for the wood to dry completely and thoroughly before applying a Thompson’s® WaterSeal® waterproofer or stain, or any other new finish.

Specifications:

• Brand: Thompson’s® WaterSeal®
• Product Type: Maximum Strength Deck Stripper / Wood Finish Remover
• Form: Ready-To-Use Liquid
• Package Size: 1 Gallon
• For Use In Location: Exterior
• Key Chemical Component: Contains Sodium Hydroxide (Corrosive)
• Removes: Oil-based and water-based solid & semi-transparent stains, tinted & clear waterproofers.
• Cleans: Dirt, Mildew, Algae, Fungus.
• Recommended Uses: Stripping old finishes from previously coated exterior wood decks, fences, and outdoor furniture.
• Not Recommended For: New or untreated wood, aluminum, unintended painted/finished surfaces, glass.
• Application Method: Plastic watering can, synthetic bristle brush, or roller. DO NOT SPRAY.
• Coverage: Approx. 150 sq ft per gallon.
• Dwell Time on Surface: 10-15 minutes.
• Wood Dry Time (Before Refinishing): 2-3 days (48-72 hours).
• Neutralization Step: Wood brightener strongly recommended after use.
• Cleanup (Tools/Spills): Rinse immediately and thoroughly with water.
• VOC Level: Information Not Provided – Refer to product label/SDS
• Weight (Approx.): 9-11 lbs / ~4.1-5 kg (Estimate for 1 Gallon Sodium Hydroxide solution)

CAUTIONS / FIRST AID: DANGER! CONTAINS SODIUM HYDROXIDE. CAUSES SEVERE EYE, SKIN AND RESPIRATORY TRACT BURNS. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED.

• Prevent contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Wear impervious chemical-resistant rubber gloves and safety goggles/face shield during use. Do not wear contact lenses.
• Use only with adequate ventilation. Avoid breathing vapors or mist.
• Wash hands immediately and thoroughly after use. Keep container closed when not in use.
• FIRST AID: Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. Get IMMEDIATE medical attention. Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. If irritation persists, get medical attention. If Swallowed: Do NOT induce vomiting. Call Poison Control Center, hospital emergency room, or physician immediately. If Inhaled: Provide fresh air and call physician if respiratory difficulty occurs.
• WARNING (California Prop 65): This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
• DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY. (Always refer to the product label for complete and current safety information and first aid procedures.)