COVERAGE RATE

Coverage: Add 4oz to 8oz of EXPERT’s Brightener added to one (1) gallon of water, each gallon covers 100 to 200 sq. ft. of surface area.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE APPLICATION STEPS

Easy-to-Use & Clean-Up.

Read through all the step-by-step instructions prior to using EXPERT®™ Clean & Bright Wood Brightener.

MIXING: Always wear heavy-duty rubber gloves, niosh approved respirator and PPE when working with EXPERT Clean & Bright Wood Brightener, or any other EXPERT Clean & Bright products. Mix 4oz to 8oz of Wood Brightener with each gallon of warm water and stir thoroughly until powder is mostly dissolved. Mix in a separate 5-gallon pail before transferring into a pump sprayer. This avoids clogging the sprayer. Use Brightener solution within 24 hours of mixing.  Wood Brightener mixed solution is colorless for ease of identification.

APPLICATION: Thoroughly wet the treatment surface, and all surrounding areas, including plants and shrubs with water before application. Apply EXPERT Clean & Bright Wood Brightener solution using either the sprayer, or a brush, a car wash brush, or mop. Scrubbing is not needed after using EXPERT’s Cleaner or Stripper. Let the Brightener solution sit for 5 to 15 minutes, keeping it wet with additional solution until an obvious color change has occurred.

If applying Brightener on vertical surfaces, begin at the bottom, working upwards. Repeat application, if needed.

RINSE: Rinse surfaces and surrounding areas thoroughly for 20 to 30 minutes with water from a hose or pressure washer using lowest pressure. Rinse wood and surrounding surfaces thoroughly, never let solution dry on windows, siding, metal and other surfaces or residue may be visible.

Allow wood surfaces to dry 48 to 72 hours (or longer) before applying EXPERT Stain & Seal wood stains.

TEST AREA: It’s recommended to test this product in a small, inconspicuous area to ensure desired results before use. Raised grain can occur as wood pores are opened during the cleaning process.

LIMITATIONS: EXPERT Clean & Bright Wood Brightener cannot remove intact paint, stain, or clear finishes, and may dull painted or metal surfaces if not rinsed immediately. Always store in a temperature-controlled room, kept from freezing, and can be stored for up to 36 months, unopened.

WARNING

• Keep out of reach of children.
• If contact occurs, rinse immediately with water for 15 minutes. If irritation continues, seek immediate medical attention.
• Do not ingest.
• Always wear personal protective equipment when using this product.
• DO NOT MIX WITH OTHER CHEMICALS.

NOTICE TO BUYER: DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND LIMITATIONS ON OUR LIABILITY We warrant that our products are manufactured to strict quality assurance specifications and that the information supplied by us is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Such information supplied about our products is not a representation or a warranty. It is supplied on the condition that you shall make your own tests to determine the suitability of our product for your particular purpose. Any use or application other than recommended herein is the sole responsibility of the user. Listed physical properties are typical and should not be construed as specifications. NO WARRANTY IS MADE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, REGARDING SUCH OTHER INFORMATION, THE DATA ON WHICH IT IS BASED, OR THE RESULTS YOU WILL OBTAIN FROM ITS USE. N0 WARRANTY IS MADE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, THAT OUR PRODUCT SHALL BE MERCHANTABLE OR THAT OUR PRODUCT SHALL BE FIT FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. NO WARRANTY IS MADE THAT THE USE OF SUCH INFORMATION OR OUR PRODUCT WILL NOT INFRINGE UPON ANY PATENT. We shall have no liability for incidental or consequential damages, direct or indirect. Our liability is limited to the net selling price of our product or the replacement of our product, at our option. Acceptance of delivery of our product means that you have accepted the terms of this warranty whether or not purchase orders or other documents state terms that vary from this warranty. No representative is authorized to make any representation or warranty or assume any other liability on our behalf with any sale of our products. Our products contain chemicals that may CAUSE SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY. BEFORE USING, READ THE MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET AND FOLLOW ALL PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT BODILY HARM.

Frequently Asked Questions – EXPERT Clean & Bright Wood Brightener

What does EXPERT Clean & Bright Wood Brightener do?

EXPERT Clean & Bright Wood Brightener neutralizes wood surfaces after cleaning or stripping. It restores the natural color of weathered wood and helps return the wood to the proper pH level so stain can penetrate evenly and perform properly.

Why do you need a wood brightener after cleaning a deck?

Most wood cleaners and strippers are alkaline. After cleaning, the wood surface must be neutralized to restore its natural pH. Using a wood brightener helps neutralize those cleaners, brighten the wood color, and open the wood grain so stains absorb more evenly.

What is EXPERT Clean & Bright Wood Brightener made from?

EXPERT Clean & Bright Wood Brightener is formulated with 100% oxalic acid, which is commonly used in professional wood restoration to brighten wood, remove discoloration, and neutralize alkaline cleaners.

What surfaces can wood brightener be used on?

Wood brightener can be used on most exterior wood surfaces including:

• Decks

• Fences

• Cedar siding

• Log homes

• Pergolas

• Boardwalks and docks

• Outdoor wood furniture

It is commonly used during wood restoration projects prior to staining or sealing.

Can wood brightener remove gray weathering from wood?

Yes. Wood brightener helps remove the dull gray appearance that develops on wood from UV exposure and environmental weathering. It restores the wood’s natural color and improves the appearance of the surface before staining.

Will wood brightener remove paint or old stain?

No. Wood brightener does not remove intact paint, stain, or clear finishes. It is designed to brighten and neutralize wood after it has been cleaned or stripped. If a deck still has old stain or coatings, those should first be removed using a wood cleaner or wood stripper.

How do you mix EXPERT Wood Brightener?

Wood Brightener is a powdered concentrate that is mixed with warm water before application.

Typical mixing ratio:

• 4–8 ounces of brightener per gallon of water

One gallon of mixed solution typically covers 100–200 square feet, depending on the condition of the wood.

How do you apply wood brightener?

Basic application steps include:

1. Thoroughly wet the wood surface and surrounding areas.

2. Apply the brightener solution with a pump sprayer, brush, or mop.

3. Allow the solution to dwell for 5–15 minutes while keeping the surface wet.

4. Watch for the wood color to brighten.

5. Rinse thoroughly with water or low-pressure washing.

This process helps neutralize the wood and prepare it for staining.

How long should wood dry before staining?

After brightening and rinsing, wood surfaces should typically dry 48–72 hours before applying a wood stain or sealer. For best results, wood moisture content should generally be below about 13% before staining.

What is the EXPERT 3-Step Wood Restoration System?

For best results, wood restoration should follow the EXPERT 3-step process:

1. Clean / Strip – Remove dirt, stains, coatings, and organic growth

2. Neutralize & Brighten – Restore wood pH and natural color

3. Stain & Seal – Protect the wood with a penetrating stain

Proper preparation helps stains penetrate deeper and last longer on exterior wood surfaces.

Do you need wood brightener before staining a deck?

In most deck restoration projects, yes. After using a wood cleaner or stripper, the wood surface becomes alkaline. Applying a wood brightener neutralizes the wood, restores color, and prepares the surface so stains absorb evenly and perform properly.

What is the difference between cleaning wood and brightening wood?

Cleaning wood removes dirt, organic growth, and old coatings from the surface. Brightening wood is the next step that neutralizes the cleaning chemicals, restores the natural color of the wood, and prepares the wood for staining.

Both steps are important for proper wood restoration and long-lasting stain performance.

rate deeper and last longer on exterior wood surfaces.

Do you need wood brightener before staining a deck?

In most deck restoration projects, yes. After using a wood cleaner or stripper, the wood surface becomes alkaline. Applying a wood brightener neutralizes the wood, restores color, and prepares the surface so stains absorb evenly and perform properly.

rate deeper and last longer on exterior wood surfaces.

What is the EXPERT 3-Step Wood Restoration System?

For best results, wood restoration should follow the EXPERT system:

1. Clean / Strip – Remove dirt, stains, coatings, and organic growth

2. Neutralize & Brighten – Restore wood color and pH balance

3. Stain & Seal – Protect the wood with a penetrating stain

Following these steps improves stain absorption and long-term performance.

What is the difference between the Step 1 wood cleaning products in the EXPERT Wood Restoration System?

The EXPERT Step 1 Clean process offers four different wood cleaning products designed to remove dirt, grime, organic growth, and old stains from exterior wood surfaces. The main difference between them is cleaning strength and the type of buildup they are designed to remove.

Eco Cleaner – Light Cleaning
Eco Cleaner is designed for routine maintenance cleaning. It removes light dirt, mild organic growth, and surface grime from wood decks, fences, and siding that are still in good condition.

Wood Cleaner – Mild Cleaning
Wood Cleaner is ideal for moderately dirty wood. It removes dirt, mildew, algae, and light staining from weathered wood surfaces that need more than a simple maintenance wash.

Wood Stripper – Heavy Cleaning
Wood Stripper is formulated to remove old wood stains, weathered coatings, gray wood fibers, and heavy organic buildup. It is typically used when preparing decks, fences, or siding for refinishing with a new stain or sealer.

Wood Stripper Booster – Extra Heavy Cleaning
Wood Stripper Booster is an additive that increases the strength of the wood stripper. It is used when dealing with very stubborn coatings, multiple layers of stain, or difficult water-based finishes that require additional stripping power.

Using the correct Step 1 cleaner ensures the wood is properly prepared before brightening and staining.