How to Strip a Dock

Josh Richards • Dec 01, 2022

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1. Supplies Needed
2. Inspect & Clean your dock
3. Stay Safe during the process
4. Dock Wood Stripping

5. Dock Wood Brightening

6. Whenever in doubt, contact a professional7. FAQ

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Wooden docks and piers are subject to quite a lot of abuse. Most of them are exposed to full sun and a constantly humid environment. This exposure causes wood to fade, go gray, and appear old. Since people are spending longer on their boat docks during the summer and spring months, the grime, dirt, and other substances from the water will build up and contaminate the dock's surface. Therefore, regular maintenance is necessary, so your dock stays in top condition throughout the year.

Let's dive into what you should know about stripping your boat dock and whether you can make it a DIY weekend project - or are better off consulting a professional. 

Supplies Needed

Inspect & Clean your dock

Before you think about the best way to complete the dock-stripping task, go out and take a careful examination. Pay attention to loose boards, damaged boards, nails, screws sticking out, and other problems that might cause instability to the dock. It is also possible to replace the rotten boards or perform repairs before cleaning.

Stay Safe during the process.

Always wear your protective equipment before you begin the process, such as gloves, masks, and rubber boots, since old wood shavings and chemical fumes could cause you to feel unwell. Also, assure that your dock is empty and free of any obstructions and you're ready to begin the stripping process.

Dock Wood Stripping

The next step is to employ the wood stripper to remove the old finishes on your wood. It is a penetrating chemical that helps to loosen and eliminate oil-based, solvent-based, and water-based finishes for wood and organic growth tannins, as well as other stains on the wood.

i . Prepare wood Stripper

Every product is different, so review the label for the directions before using an exterior wood stain stripper. It will only take a few minutes and will ensure you have the information you need before you begin. Pay close attention to the mixing and application of the product and how long you should leave the chemical. So read the label first, and prepare the mixture (if needed) accordingly; we recommend the application of stripper using a pump-up sprayer.

Note: When applying the stripper, you must ensure that the dock surface is wet before applying.

Ii. Apply the Stripper

Apply the stripper all over the dock's surface with at least 1-millimeter thickness. Leave it on for between 10-15 minutes. Make sure you continue to apply water mist over the surface of the stripper to prevent drying and evaporation since it cannot work after it's dried.

Note: Be aware that the stripper reacts with the dock's surface and begins to change color and appearance in just 15 minutes after application. Try not to walk over the surface after the application time because it's very slippery and could pull the stripper from the surface, which is not advised.

The next step is when you can get results. To test, take a scraper and start working on different sections of the dock to determine how easily the wood finish is coming off. If the finish seems reluctant to strip, don't be afraid to add a bit of the stripper and wait another 15 minutes.

Ii. Soft Washing

Be very careful, as the wood surface can become extremely slippery once the stripper reacts after you've checked whether they finish loosened by the stripper. If you're satisfied with the results, you are ready to get an air pressure washer and gently rinse the dock, keeping 500 PSI.

Dock Wood Brightening

After cleaning everything, the wood may get darker than its original appearance. This is a usual reaction. Now is the right time to apply a wood brightener. Wood brighteners are simple to use. Just spray them on wood, wait for a few minutes, then wash them off. There's no scrubbing, and no elbow grease is required.

They open the pores on the wood surface, allowing for better penetration of the stain and neutralizing the strippers used. They help restore the appearance of aged, weathered wood to look new again. You can see that's a lot for one product to do; therefore, don't miss out on this part.

I. Apply Wood Brightener

Remove the standing water from the surface of your dock first, if there is any. When you apply the wood brightener, it's advised that the wood surface is slightly wet to prevent the chemical from being absorbed too fast within the wood surface. Use a pump-up sprayer for the application, and the sprayer should be cleaned after the initial chemical use. Make mixture according to instructions given on the product in a sprayer, and it is preferred to shake it well before applying.

Ii. Power Washing

After 15- 20 minutes, power washes the surface using at least 1500- 1800 PSI. Then rinse the dock and surrounding surface to ensure no chemical is left.

Note: Don't keep the pressure high and too close to the surface, as some softwood species may get damaged. To learn the process in detail, check out our guide on How to pressure wash your dock. (Add link here).

You will have to wait at least 48 hours before going on to the next step. We recommend using a moisture meter like the Tavool moisture meter from Amazon 'to measure the moisture of your wood, as it must be in the correct moisture range of 12-18% for the stain to stick appropriately.

Whenever in doubt, contact a professional

You may not need a dock maintenance professional for every matter. Still, someone with boat dock maintenance expertise can best execute most of the processes discussed in this article, also the later steps for refurbishing or restoring your boat dock.

If you are looking for dock maintenance services, there is no reason to settle for anything less than the best. Contact Precision Staining, and we have the best wood dock stains with strong UV protection. Our stains penetrate deeply, are mold and mildew resistant, and protect against the elements.

FAQ
What is the best stain for wood docks?

Wood dock stains that penetrate well resist mold/mildew and have exceptional UV protection include stains like Marine Seal Wood Dock Stain and #1 Deck Wood Deck Paint and Sealer. There are many other stainings for docks made of wood; however, these two are excellent examples of dock stains for wood that are equipped with the features for long-lasting and maximum protection in harsh environments.

Can I easily clean the boat dock myself?

Dock cleaning can certainly be accomplished as a DIY project if the appropriate amount of research is done before going out and throwing some elbow grease into the issue.

However, cleaning and washing boat docks aren't as easy as it seems. Different dock surfaces shouldn't be treated in the same manner. Additionally, many tough stains or dirt spots are challenging to remove, which leads to the need for cleaning chemicals and materials which could harm the water. In certain situations, it is recommended to contact a professional who specializes in cleaning docks. Contact Precision Staining for Deck and Dock Staining in Orlando to avoid a DIY disaster.