{"product_id":"wood-brightener-oxalic-acid","title":"EXPERT Wood Brightener™ – Oxalic Acid Deck \u0026 Fence Neutralizer","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eProfessional Wood Brightener \u0026amp; Neutralizer – 100% Oxalic Acid (Step 2 System)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eRestore natural wood color, neutralize alkaline cleaners, and prepare surfaces for proper stain adhesion with a professional-grade 100% oxalic acid wood brightener.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eEXPERT Wood Brightener™ is Step 2 in the Fence Armor 3-Step Wood Restoration System, designed to correct pH levels, reverse tannin darkening, and restore the natural tone of weathered exterior wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eIf you clean or strip wood without brightening, you’re not finished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFree shipping on 5 Gallon buckets for the Continental USA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDescription\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"badge-log\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0267\/8806\/9429\/files\/wood-brightner-image.png?v=1668057254\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Critical Step Most People Skip\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eAfter using an alkaline cleaner or wood stripper, the wood’s pH is elevated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf not neutralized, stain adhesion can fail\u003c\/strong\u003e, leading to:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Blotchy finish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Poor penetration\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Premature peeling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Uneven color\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eEXPERT Wood Brightener™ restores proper wood pH, brightens the surface, and opens the grain for optimal stain absorption.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThis is not optional. It is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat It Does\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e✔ Restores natural wood color\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e✔ Neutralizes alkaline cleaners and strippers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e✔ Corrects high pH levels\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e✔ Removes tannin bleed (common in cedar \u0026amp; redwood)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e✔ Lightens iron and rust stains\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e✔ Prepares wood for proper stain penetration\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Cedar decks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Pressure-treated decks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Fence restoration\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Cedar siding\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Pergolas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Log homes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Exterior wood surfaces\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant: EXPERT Wood Brightener™ is a neutralizer and brightener, not a cleaner or paint stripper.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eSafety Notes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlways wear:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Chemical-resistant gloves\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Eye protection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Respirator\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Protective clothing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eDo not mix with other chemicals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eKeep out of reach of children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eRead SDS before use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy 100% Oxalic Acid Matters\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eUnlike diluted liquid brighteners, EXPERT Wood Brightener™ is a concentrated powder made from 100% oxalic acid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThat means:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e✔ No fillers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e✔ No diluted formula\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e✔ Adjustable mix strength\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e✔ 36-month shelf life unopened\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e✔ Lower shipping weight\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e✔ Mix only what you need\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e✔ Professional-grade performance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e1 cup per gallon is standard strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eAn 8 lb pail produces approximately 16 gallons of brightening solution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eMixing Instructions\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eStandard Mix:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• 1 cup per gallon of warm water\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Stir thoroughly until dissolved\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Use within 48 hours\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eFor heavier discoloration, concentration may be adjusted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eApplication Overview\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Pre-wet plants and surrounding areas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Apply with a pump sprayer or brush\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Allow 5–15 minutes dwell time\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Watch for visible color correction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Rinse thoroughly (10–15 minutes)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Allow wood to dry 48–72 hours\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e• Moisture must be below 13% before staining\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eNo heavy scrubbing required after proper cleaning or stripping.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eSystem Positioning\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eStep 1 – Cleaner or Stripper\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eStep 2 – Wood Brightener™ (Neutralize \u0026amp; Restore)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eStep 3 – Stain \u0026amp; Seal Application\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eProfessional restoration always includes neutralization.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eFAQ\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat does a wood brightener actually do?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eA wood brightener neutralizes the high pH left behind after using an alkaline cleaner or stripper. It restores the wood’s natural color and prepares the surface so stain penetrates evenly and bonds properly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDo I really need to brighten after cleaning or stripping?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eYes. Skipping this step can lead to blotchy stain, poor adhesion, uneven color, and premature failure. Brightening is not optional in a proper restoration process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWill this remove black stains from cedar?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eYes. Oxalic acid is highly effective at reducing tannin bleed, which causes black or dark streaking in cedar and redwood.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIs this the same as a wood cleaner?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eNo. A cleaner removes dirt, mildew, and coatings. A brightener neutralizes pH and restores color. They perform completely different functions.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHow long do I need to wait before staining?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eAllow 48–72 hours of dry time. Wood moisture content must be below 13% before staining.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSDS info \u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0267\/8806\/9429\/files\/2024-SDS-WOOD_BRIGHTENER.pdf?v=1771524831\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDownload Safety Data Sheet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEXPERT Professional Wood Care products do not and cannot guarantee to kill or eliminate organic growth, mold, mildew, algae, and other microorganisms from the use of our EXPERT 3-Step System. The EXPERT Professional Wood Care products have not been certified by the Environmental Protection Agency \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!-- Card: When to Stain a New Fence? --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePro Advice \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"main-post-pro\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid grid--uniform\"\u003e\n\u003c!-- Card 1: How Often Should You Use Deck Cleaner \u0026 Brightener? --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid__item small--one-whole medium-up--one-third pro-blog\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/fencearmor.com\/blogs\/news\/how-often-should-you-use-deck-cleaner-and-brightener\" class=\"article__link\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eHow Often Should You Use Deck Cleaner \u0026amp; Brightener?\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Card 2: Don't Just Protect—Restore Your Fence \u0026 Deck Wood --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid__item small--one-whole medium-up--one-third pro-blog\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/fencearmor.com\/blogs\/news\/dont-just-protect-your-fence-deck-wood-restore-it\" class=\"article__link\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eDon't Just Protect—Restore Your Fence \u0026amp; Deck Wood\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Card 3: Protect \u0026 Prolong: Staining to Extend Deck \u0026 Fence Life --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid__item small--one-whole medium-up--one-third pro-blog\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/fencearmor.com\/blogs\/news\/how-to-prevent-protect-and-prolong-your-decks-and-fences-with-deck-fence-staining\" class=\"article__link\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eProtect \u0026amp; Prolong: Deck \u0026amp; Fence Staining Tips\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Canadian Fence Armor","offers":[{"title":"8 oz","offer_id":46522064142497,"sku":"503-08","price":19.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32 oz","offer_id":46522064175265,"sku":"503-32","price":59.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Gallon","offer_id":46522064208033,"sku":"503-01","price":99.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5 Gallons","offer_id":46522064240801,"sku":"503-05","price":389.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/1686\/2113\/files\/WOOD_BRIGHTENER.png?v=1780933726","url":"https:\/\/fencearmor.ca\/products\/wood-brightener-oxalic-acid","provider":"Canadian Fence Armor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}