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Spotted gum is a white, tough, sticky substance that has a rough exterior surface and a darker inside. It's very similar to the surface of sawdust, except it doesn't have the plastic feel of the latter. Instead it has that gluey, woody feeling. The white streaks in the spotted gum are not permanent and will fade over time.
You've probably spotted gum decking when you're scraping wood for an old piece or just working on a project and notice it at first sight. This is the time to take action, otherwise the surface of the sawdust becomes noticeable. What do you do? Do you rip it off? Do you try to smooth it out or just ignore it?
You can scrape the sawdust back out, but this may only make matters worse. If you have to, avoid touching the gum itself. Instead, use something like a wet duster or a toothbrush to clean the sawdust off. Once it's completely removed, rinse the gum with water. This should remove any excess glue that was not able to seep through the surface.
When rinsing, it's important to rinse the rind and not the surface of the gum. The former dries more quickly than the latter. The best method of cleaning both is the chemical method, which is better suited to hardwoods than the sensitive and porous pungent varnish found on many cheaper species. For spot removal, you can mix a solution of one part water and two parts club soda or other abrasive powder. Direct contact with an acid (such as that found in certain household cleaners) can also cause damage to your parenteral or esophageal lining.
You might want to give the sawdust a few days to dry before using it. Apply generous coats of the sealer (or epoxy if applying a new protective sealant) and then wipe away with a soft cloth. If a stubborn area remains, scrub with a soft bristled brush and continue applying the solution. Be careful not to press too hard, though. Too much scrubbing forces spots to stand out even more.
A combination of heat and acid can help to fade an unsightly spot on a painted or unpainted surface. Heat is particularly effective on dark-colored areas, as the sun's ultraviolet rays are particularly effective at lifting stains from wood. Applying hot water with a mild soap solution is the best way to remove the spot from your gum. For this solution, make sure you scrub away all of the excess residue from the middle to bottom of the spot, since you don't want any of it remaining when you apply the acid. You may also need to scrub vigorously to get any excess adhesive off the surface.
For areas where you haven't had the time or opportunity to apply acid or heat to eliminate the spot, consider using an aloe vera or similar product. By applying pressure to the area using a toothbrush or other tool, you can cause the spot to disappear. You might need to repeat this process several times, and you should only do it outside in good weather. For this method to work, however, it's best to use something that won't discolor the gum. A sandpaper or power sandpaper will suffice, but anything with an abrasive quality could cause the spot to come back.
Spotting gum decking on your deck will help you maintain the aesthetic appearance of your outdoor living space, but preventing future damage to the wood is also important. For additional tips on removing spotted gum from your decking, contact your local hardware store or home improvement store. They'll be able to offer you expert advice on the best course of action for eliminating and preventing future spotting on your deck.
