How to Strip Grungy Wood Into SPOTLESS RECLAIMED GOLD, in Minutes!

I LOVE reclaimed wood! I'd eat it if I could get away with it.
So as you can imagine, I collect it from wherever I can find it. From old fence boards to pallets, anything reclaimed stands a chance on coming home with me.
But with wood that's been outdoors for some time, you can most certainly expect a little mildew or ? along the way.
It's really REALLY important to clean that gunk off, especially if that wood is coming indoors.
Here's how I get that stuff whistle clean, before I create....

These are two fence planks. Can you believe they came off the same fence? The only difference is, one plank is cleaned and the other isn't. Here's how I did it.... EASILY.





My wood sources come from anywhere. These wood pallets were so deteriorated, they had a barn wood appearance! Great for projects, but bad for toxins. Let's fix that...





I first dismantle or cut pallets or old fences apart and remove all the nails.
Then I find a large area on the lawn or cement driveway, and lay all the planks out, spacing them out fairly well.





Next, I grab my pressure washer. This is the secret to quick and easy BY FAR!
I simply pressure wash one plank at a time, then flip them over and repeat.
Then I stack the boards up against the house or trampoline, and allow them to air dry for a few days before storing them.
Tip don't overdue it, or you'll leave your wood looking brand new. You want some of that old patina to linger.
Tip for extra cleanliness, you can also hit the boards with a scrub brush and bleach mixed with water to kill any remaining bacteria.





Stacking wood for good airflow is important for freshly cleaned wood.





Pressure washing can really bring up a rough grain. So lightly sand right before you create.
Tip: I LOVE a variable speed palm sander so I can control how much to sand off.





And from there, the sky's the limit with reclaimed wood creations! Visit more at the blog link below.





New to collecting old wood? Learn everything from toxic issues, where to find it, and how to prep it safely once home. Read this via the blog link below.





Love wood tips? CLICK LINK BELOW for tips on removing wood from pallets, where to find the best wood, and project ideas galore!
And you'll be collecting in no time. :) Happy creating to you!






Original article and pictures take http://www.hometalk.com/12580659/how-to-strip-grungy-wood-into-spotless-reclaimed-gold-in-minutes site