It will help to break and dissolve the binding power of stains, water-based undercoats and grime residues left on the timber after the stripping process. This chemical may darken the colour of some exotic timbers (such as Cedar, Mahogany, Blackwood, etc), but is fine for the pine family of timbers (like Baltic, Kauri, radiata). If you use a Colour Rejuvenator such as Oxalic Acid after using Tri-sodium Phosphate, it will restore the natural colour of the timber. Sodium Tri-Poly Phosphate is a milder form of Tri-Sodium Phosphate and is a good alternative to use on exotic timbers.

Tri-Sodium Phosphate is a common ingredient of water softening agents, soap powder, detergents and cleaning agents. It is also used in the manufacture of paper and leather, metal cleaning, sugar purification, photographic developers, paint removers, dietary supplement and food additives.

[edit] Method of Use

Step 1 - Mix 250g or ¼ kg of powder in approximately 10 litres of hot water. Hot water is required to activate the chemical (ie for the chemical to work at its best efficiency), if water cools, all that is required to re-activate the chemical is to reheat the solution. This is normally achieved by just adding boiling water and a small amount of chemical. In some cases, a stronger solution may be required, so therefore just increase the amount of chemical per 10 litres.

Step 2 - Chemical is liberally applied to the surfaces that have been stripped and left to sit for a period of 2-5 minutes. Then using a floor scrubbing brush, dip into solution and scrub timber surfaces. Keep applying fresh chemical from your bucket to your brush whilst scrubbing. On vertical surfaces ie: (door frames, sides of cupboards, windows etc.), always start at the top so solution is running downwards, keeping everything wet.

Step 3 - Once you have finished scrubbing, now rinse down all surfaces with copious amounts of warm water

Step 4 - While timberwork is still wet, this is an ideal time to pick any remaining paint out of any nail holes, cracks, corners and hard to reach places, as the paint should be softened and moist from the above process. Again if required, rinse down with clean water and do not allow the timber to dry before commencing the Colour Rejuvenator process.

[edit] Safety

As with any chemical safety precautions should be undertaken. We therefore recommend that you wear the appropriate safety items for your own protection, and observe safety instructions on packaging.

• Safety glasses

• Rubber Gloves

• Old clothes and rubber apron

• Suitable footwear (waterproof)