Method of removing coating and restoring wood

A method of restoring old, weather-beaten or water-stained wood surfaces comprising:

• (a) applying to said wood surface a composition consisting essentially of an aqeuous solution of the following components by approximate weight:
• 1.5 to 5% alkali metal hydroxide, 0.5% sodium bicarbonate, 0.1 to 5% ethylene glycol, 0.05% to 1% glycerol, and 0.2 to 3% xanthan gum;
• and
• (b) removing said composition from said wood surface by the application of water to said wood surface.

A method of preparing the surface of old, weather-beaten or water-stained wood for a new finish, the method comprising:

• (a) applying to said wood surface a composition consisting essentially of an aqueous solution of the following components by approximate weight:
• 1.5 to 5% alkali metal hydroxide, 0.5% sodium bicarbonate, 0.1 to 5% ethylene glycol, 0.05 to 1% glycerol, and 1 to 5% xanthan gum;
• and
• (b) removing said composition from said wood surface.

A method of removing a coating of grease and oil from a surface comprising:

• (a) applying to said surface a composition consisting essentially of an aqueous solution of the following components by approximate weight:
• 5 to 15% alkali metal hydroxide, 0.5% sodium bicarbonate, 0.1 to 5% ethylene glycol, 0.05 to 1% glycerol, and 0.2 to 3% xanthan gum;
• and
• (b) removing said composition from said surface, together with said coating.

A method of removing a coating of wood pitch and resin from a surface comprising:

• (a) applying to said surface a composition consisting essentially of an aqueous solution of the following components by approximate weight:
• 7 to 15% alkali metal hydroxide, 0.5% sodium bicarbonate, 0.1 to 5% ethylene glycol, 0.05 to 1% glycerol, and 0.2 to 3% xanthan gum;
• and
• (b) removing said composition from said surface, together with said coating.

A method of removing creosote deposits from a surface comprising:

• (a) applying to said surface a composition consisting essentially of an aqueous solution of the following components by approximate weight:
• 7 to 15% alkali metal hydroxide, 0.5% sodium bicarbonate, 0.1 to 5% ethylene glycol, 0.05 to 1% glycerol, and 0.2 to 3% xanthan gum;
• (b) allowing said composition to dry;
• and
• (c) removing said composition from said surface, together with said deposits.