Tips and Tricks: PREPARING SURFACES AND PREMISES

CLEANING SURFACES


Contaminants reduce the ability of products to adhere. Surfaces must therefore be cleaned before a sealant or glue is applied. The choice of appropriate cleaning methods depends on the types and conditions of the surfaces to be sealed or glued. The following pages describe in detail the cleaner application methods. Check the Cleaning Product Selection Table of the “Product Selection” course to determine which cleaners to use.
          
TRISODIUM PHOSPHATE POLYPREP 771-137 (T.S.P.)

Introduction

Trisodium phosphate (T.S.P.) is a non-flammable chemical cleaner that removes dirt, grease, soot, wax, mildew and residues after the stripping process. T.S.P. removes mildew but does not kill the underlying mold. You must use bleach to get rid of mold.

Indoors, bare wood may turn green, brown or gray on contact with T.S.P. Therefore, it is not recommended to use T.S.P. on bare wood.

Checklist
  • Bucket
  • Scouring sponge
  • Paintbrush comb
  • Long-handled scraper
  • Wringer
  • High pressure washer
  • Hose and spray gun
  • Insecticide sprayer
  • Rubber gloves and boots
  • Safety goggles
  • Methods

    To remove dirt and dust:


    1. Add 100 to 200 grams of trisodium phosphate in 4 liters of lukewarm water.

    2. Apply this solution on the surface with an insecticide sprayer starting from the bottom to avoid runs.

    3. Rub surface vigorously and let the solution work for 2 to 3 minutes.

    4. Rinse the surface with a spray of clean pressured water. To keep from damaging wood surfaces, pressure should not exceed 3,400 Kpa (500 psi). Maintain the spray nozzle 30 cm or less from the surface for the treatment to be fully effective.

    5. Repeat as needed.

    6. Let the surface dry.

    7. If the sealant is cracked or is not restored to its original look, remove it by cutting it along the surface, then scrape off any residue. The degree of humidity on the surface should be lower than 12 %. If the surface is in wood, make sure it is properly painted, stained or waterproofed.

    To remove wax, soap, grease and oil:

    1. Add 200 grams of trisodium phosphate per liter of warm water.

    2. Apply the solution on the surface with a stiff bristle brush.

    3. Rub surface vigorously starting from the bottom to avoid runs.

    4. Let the solution work for 5 to 10 minutes.

    5. Rinse the surface with a spray of clean pressured water. To keep from damaging wood surfaces, pressure should not exceed 3,400 Kpa (500 psi). Maintain the spray nozzle 30 cm or less from the surface for the treatment to be fully effective.

    6. Repeat as needed.

    7. Let the surface dry.

    8. If the sealant is cracked or is not restored to its original look, remove it by cutting it along the surface, then scrape off any residue. The degree of humidity on the surface should be lower than 12 %. If the surface is in wood, make sure it is properly painted, stained or waterproofed.



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    BLEACH (NOT MANUFACTURED BY SICO INC.)

    Introduction

    Bleach is a non-flammable product useful for eliminating mold that causes mildew. It bleaches and disinfects, but does not remove grease. To get rid of grease, use trisodium phosphate (T.S.P.).

    Never mix T.S.P. and bleach directly because the mixture will produce toxic fumes.

    Checklist

  • Rubber gloves and boots
  • Bucket
  • Stiff bristle brush
  • Old comfortable clothes
  • Insecticide sprayer
  • Scouring sponge
  • Safety goggles
  • Method

    Removing mildew:


    1. Pour 1 liter of bleach and 3 liters of warm water in a bucket or insecticide sprayer.

    2. Apply this solution on the surface starting from the bottom to avoid runs.

    3. Rub the surface with a stiff bristle brush or a scouring sponge.

    4. Let the solution work for 5 to 10 minutes.

    5. Rinse the surface with a spray of clean pressured water. To keep from damaging wood surfaces, pressure should not exceed 3,400 Kpa (500 psi). Maintain the spray nozzle 30 cm or less from the surface for the treatment to be fully effective.

    6. Repeat as needed.

    7. Let the surface dry.

    8. If the sealant is cracked or is not restored to its original look, remove it by cutting it along the surface, then scrape off any residue. The degree of humidity on the surface should be lower than 12 %. If the surface is in wood, make sure it is properly painted, stained or waterproofed.

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    POLYPREP 875-104 AND 875-105 THINNERS

    Introduction

    Polyprep 875-104 and Polyprep 875-105 thinners are flammable products used to clean tools involved in applying paint and sealants such as paintbrushes, rollers, spray devices and trays. They are also used to reduce the viscosities of solvent-based coatings when needed. Finally, they can remove grease, oil and tar.

    Polyprep 875-104 and 875-105 thinners are colorless and Polyprep 875-105 thinner has very little odor. Polyprep 875-105 thinner is thus the best choice if thinner odor poses a problem.

    Put on rubber gloves before using thinners. Avoid breathing fumes and make sure thinner does not come in contact with skin or eyes.

    Checklist

  • Rubber boots and gloves
  • Broom
  • Stiff bristle brush
  • Paint paddle
  • Clean, dry, lint-free cloths
  • Safety goggles
  • Method

    Removing grease, oil and tar stains:


    1. Remove as much contaminant as possible from the surface.

    2. Pour a little thinner on a clean, lint-free rag.

    3. Rub the surface with the damp rag and let the surface dry.

    4. Wash the surface with clean water.

    5. Rub the surface with a clean, dry, lint-free rag.

    6. Repeat as needed.

    7. Hang up the rag so the thinner can evaporate and thus prevent risks of fire.

    8. Let the surface dry.

    9. If the sealant is cracked or is not restored to its original look, remove it by cutting it along the surface, then scrape off any residue. The degree of humidity on the surface should be lower than 12 %. If the surface is in wood, make sure it is properly painted, stained or waterproofed.

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    CORROSTOP ULTRA 635-104 METAL CONDITIONER AND RUST REMOVER

    Introduction

    Corrostop Ultra 635-104 is a colorless product which cleans metal and removes rust. It improves sealant adhesion, particularly on new galvanized metals. It is non-flammable (cannot catch fire).

    Put on rubber gloves, an apron and goggles before using this product. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Pour the product into water, and not the opposite.

    Checklist

  • Acid-resistant container (plastic or stainless steel)
  • Rubber boots and gloves
  • Apron
  • Safety goggles
  • Wire brush
  • Paintbrush or clean rag
  • Sandpaper or steel wool
  • High pressure washer
  • Comfortable old clothes
  • Methods

    Cleaning new metals:


    1  Remove excess grease and oil with Polyprep 875-104 thinner and let the surface dry.

    2. Dilute 1 part of Corrostop Ultra 635-104 in 3 parts of water in an acid-resistant container (plastic or stainless steel).

    3. Apply solution with a brush, paintbrush or clean rag.

    4. Activate process by rubbing with sandpaper, brush or steel wool.

    5. Rinse the surface with a spray of clean pressured water.

    6. Repeat as needed.

    7. Rub the surface with a clean, dry rag.

    8. Let the surface dry.

    9. Paint promptly to prevent oxidation.

    10. Apply the elastomer sealant when the paint is dry.

    Removing rust from metal:

    1. Remove excess grease and oil with Polyprep 875-104 thinner.

    2. Remove excess rust using a wire brush and let the surface dry.

    3. Dilute 1 part of Corrostop Ultra 635-104 in 1 part of water in an acid-resistant container (plastic or stainless steel).

    4. Apply the solution with a paintbrush or clean rag.

    5. Activate the process by rubbing with sandpaper, a brush or steel wool.

    6. Rinse the surface with a spray of clean pressured water.

    7. Repeat as needed.

    8. Wipe the surface with a clean, dry rag.

    9. Let the surface dry.

    10. Paint promptly to prevent oxidation.

    11. Apply the elastomer sealant when the paint is dry.

    Removing grease from galvanized metal:

    First, test on a patch of galvanized metal. If metal turns dull, apply to entire surface. Otherwise, do not use this product.

    1. Remove excess grease and oil with Polyprep 875-104 thinner.

    2. Apply Corrostop Ultra 635-104 to the surface with a paintbrush or a clean rag.

    3. Activate process by rubbing with a stiff bristle brush.

    4. Rinse the surface with clean water.

    5. Repeat until the metal turns dull.

    6. Wipe the surface with a clean, dry rag.

    7. Let the surface dry.

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    3.2.5. POLYPREP 771-127 MURIATIC ACID

    Introduction

    Muriatic acid is a solution used for etching smooth concrete surfaces to improve product adhesion. At the same time, it removes efflorescence salts from concrete.

    Checklist

  • Plastic container
  • Plastic watering can
  • Broom or long-handled brush
  • Electrical equipment or plastic film to test moisture content
  • Methods

    Etching smooth concrete surfaces:


    1. Pour product into a plastic container.

    2. Generously apply product with plastic watering can.

    3. Vigorously rub surface with a broom or long-handled brush.

    4. Let the product work until bubbling stops.

    5. Rinse abundantly with clean water before the surface dries.

    6. Repeat until concrete turns rough.

    7. Let the concrete dry for 3 to 5 days before performing the moisture content test.

    8. Test surface moisture content in 4 or 5 locations. Use an electronic instrument or attach plastic (polyethylene) films with masking tape to surface areas to be tested. Leave the plastic films in place three days. After three days, check for any signs of moisture (droplets forming under the plastic films).

    9. If no traces of moisture are found, apply the product of your choice.

    Eliminating efflorescence salts:

    1. Dilute 1 part muriatic acid in 1 part water.

    2. Generously apply the product with a plastic watering can.

    3. Vigorously rub the surface with a broom or long-handled brush.

    4. Let the product work until bubbling stops.

    5. Rinse abundantly with clean water before the surface.

    6. Let surface dry completely.

    7. Let the concrete dry for 3 to 5 days before performing the moisture content test.

    8. Test surface moisture content in 4 or 5 locations. Use an electronic instrument or attach plastic (polyethylene) films with masking tape to surface areas to be tested. Leave the plastic films in place three days. After three days, check for any signs of moisture (droplets forming under the plastic films).

    9. If no traces of moisture are found, apply the coating of your choice.

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    RUST-OLEUM 3599 CLEANER DEGREASER

    Introduction

    Rust-Oleum 3599 cleaner degreaser is a citric oil-based product which efficiently removes dirt, grease and oil. It also quickly removes tar-based black glues. It’s a biodegradable and non-toxic product with a nice citrus smell.

    Checklist

  • Plastic container
  • Stiff bristle brush
  • Sponge
  • Paintbrush
  • Old rag
  • Old clean, dry rag
  • High pressure washer
  • Methods

    Removing black glue or big contaminants:


    1. Apply the product with a paintbrush or a sponge on the contaminated surface.
    2. Rub the surface with a stiff bristle brush.
    3. Remove excess product with an old rag.
    4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 if needed until the contaminants have completely disappeared.
    5. Rinse the surface with clean water. Outdoors, rinse the surface with a spray of clean pressured water.
    6. Wipe the surface with a clean, dry rag.
    7. Let the surface dry.

    Degreasing the surface:

    1. Dilute 1 part product with 3 parts water in a plastic container.
    2. Apply the solution with a paintbrush or a sponge.
    3. Rub the surface with a stiff bristle brush or an old rag.
    4. Rinse the surface with clean water. Outdoors, rinse the surface with a spray of clean pressured water.
    5. Repeat steps 2 to 4 as needed.
    6. Wipe the surface with a clean, dry rag.
    7. Let the surface dry.

    This Rust-Oleum 3599 product is also available as an aerosol for difficult to reach surfaces (14-once size).