Sandpaper.

I've posted some threads on this!

Faron

Sand it as mentioned above, then you will need to chemically treat it if your going to refinish.

I tried to sand it but with no result, the Thompson's water seal product is sticky like warm paraffin and it instantly clog the sandpaper. So here is the only recipe that worked for me...

1. Remove the product with a real wood striper, i used "Super remover" this product can dissolve about anything, wear gloves and glasses. Apply and scape.
2. Use a green abrasive pad with "Super remover" and scrub the surface.
3. Sand the surface. It will still clog the sandpaper but it will work.
4. Use a green abrasive pad with âÂÂThompsonâÂÂs water seal heavy duty deck cleanerâ and scrub. It will clean the surface and let it with an even color.
5. Rinse with water.
6. Refinish. I used Sikkens SRD with a good result.

The result will be good but be ready to work hard about one hour for each ten square feet of surface.

The best advice is keep away of that stuff.

Sanding alone does just fine.

Make sure you rent a Vibrating-flat-plate sander, and use 60-grit paper. 80-grit after that is totally optional, but may help wood benches, etc.

Faron

I failed to mention that using EC 1800 is very easy. Simply brush it on, let it stand for 20 minutes and lightly scrub, then rinse with heavy spray from a water hose or light pressure wash. It does not harm any plants or animals and leaves the bare wood ready for a new product. You do not have to apply any chemicals to reset the ph balance in the wood before applying a new sealer. EC 1800 contains no chemicals, therefore, does not alter the ph of the wood.

The EC-1800 work great for removing Thompson's water seal. How ever the name of the product is different. I spoke with this great lady on the phone and the new name is ESHC- Hydrocarbon Cleaner by a company called Earth Smart Solutions. They used to be EcoChem but bought out the company when the old owners retired. But I must say that this is a great product i even had some product left over and tried it around my house for cleaning!

Here is a link that might be useful: ESHC- Hydrocarbon Cleaner

What dilution rate did you use?

I would love to use the EcoChem EC-1800 to remove Thompson's Water Seal from my deck but called the company and learned 2 things - first they seem to have discontinued that product and replaced it with #127 citrus degreaser and second, they sell in 6 gallon minimum quantities which is more than I need. I asked if they could refer me to a firm in my area that sources their products for industrial cleaning applications but they could not.

Does anyone have a source for smaller quantities of this product? Does anyone have experience using the replacement citrus cleaner for Thompson's?

Thanks!

I am also on the same dilemma as retepnworb - anybody wants to share the cost of the product? I will not need 6 gallons. LMK.

retepnworb & josegraterol, I had success getting the product from the new company Earth Smart Solutions. Apparently they merged companies 2.5 years ago and the ESHC is still the same product and ingredients. It is available in 2 Liter and 20 Liter sizes.

http://www.earth-smart-solutions.com/collections/oil-hydrocarbon-solutions/products/hydrocarbon-cleaner-degreaser?variant=967674497

I just noticed there is a second company based out of New Zealand called ecochem, that must have been why you had difficulties.

Do you use the earth smart solution full strength! If not what dilution ratio did you use?

Jesus.. This whole thread needs to be deleted. It's one huge advertisement for some "chemical free" stripper that a whole bunch of people with one post are commenting/asking about.

I just tried Formbys Deep Cleansing build-up remover on three patio pavers and it took the thompsons all purpose water seal right off. Soaked the top. Let them sit for 30 min. Then rinsed with the hose. Then to be certain, I played a unused spare paver of the same,color next to it and it was a perfect match! I have no idea if you can buy it in large bulk quantity but I will be looking. Can't say how it works on a wood deck but it was made for wood furniture...

I'm using vinegar right now and it's working! :D Need lots of rags and/or papertowels though

sambah006 It would be beneficial if you could post your constructive ideas on how to remove Thompson's Water seal from a deck..I look forward to the method that was successful for you. Thanks

I just tried earthsmart/ecochem full strength, let it set for 20 min, used a wire brush and power washed it off. It did NOTHING! These posts must be from those companies, do NOT

believe.

I doubt the company is on here tryinv to get people to buy their product. On their website they state the excerpt below about ESHC hydrocarbon (formerly known as EC 1800):

Please Note:

ESHC was developed to remove fresh and aged petroleum hydrocarbons from both hard and porous surfaces. Earth Smart Solutions has not tested the effectiveness of ESHC to remove Thompson's Water Seal from wood decks and does not guarantee it's effectiveness when used for this application.