Restoring Faded Redwood

Redwood left unfinished or exposed to harsh elements over time may fade. Some homeowners prefer the distinct driftwood-gray that aging redwood can develop, while other may wish to restore the wood's warm red tones.

Most fading or discoloration due to sunlight or moisture can be easily remedied and the redwood restored to its original beauty. To remove extractive stains and restore a new appearance to weathered wood, follow these steps:

  1. Scrub wood with a bristle brush and a solution of one cup trisodium phosphate (TSP) and one cup of household bleach to a gallon of water. Gentle cleaners like Simple Green or laundry detergent can also be used. Allow to dry.
  2. Apply a solution of 4 ounces oxalic acid crystals dissolved in one gallon of warm water. Oxalic acid may also be available in liquid solutions.
  3. When wood dries, rinse thoroughly with water.

For more details, download the complete technical data sheet.


Easy Maintenance

Easy Maintenance Resources

The No-Maintenance Option:Naturally-Weathered Redwood

The No-Maintenance Option:Naturally-Weathered Redwood

Redwood lumber is one of few woods that can be left unfinished.

Architect's Corner

How to Restore Redwood's Color

Exterior Finishes

Exterior Finishes Guide

California redwood is one of nature's most maintenance-free building materials. .

Interior Finishes

Interior Finishes Guide

Classic natural redwood offers a wide range of colors, textures and patterns to give richness to interiors in an almost endless variety of ways.

Painting Redwood Siding

Painting Redwood Siding: Extending Maintenance Cycles

Redwood ranks in the highest category for painting and finishing.