Residential Painting

Can I Stain Over A Previously Stained Deck?

Posted on August 1, 2023

If you own a deck that has been previously stained or painted, and you’re considering giving it a fresh look, you might be wondering whether it’s safe and effective to stain over the old deck stain/paint. 

The short answer is yes! You can stain over an old deck stain or paint if the surface has been properly prepared. 

When you hire CertaPro Painters® of Andover for deck staining services, there are a few factors we consider before staining your deck to help ensure it has a beautiful and long-lasting finish.

Assess the Condition of the Old Stain or Paint:
Before applying the stain, we assess the surface condition. We check for any signs of peeling, flaking, or bubbling, as well as the overall adhesion of the old stain or paint. If the existing coatings are not water-based acrylic, latex, or solid stain, we will not be able to proceed as these prevent the adhesion of the new stain. 

If the existing surface is in good condition with no major issues, staining could be a viable option. However, if there are significant problems with the old coating, we’ll do our best to scrape and sand off as much as possible before applying a fresh stain coat. We will never be able to get 100% of the old coating off.

Clean the Deck Thoroughly:
To achieve a smooth and durable finish, the deck surface must be clean and free from dirt, debris, mold, and mildew. We start by sweeping the deck to remove loose particles, then wash it with a deck cleaner or a mixture of mild detergent and water. We then power washer the surface to remove stubborn stains and grime. Lastly, we allow the deck to dry completely before scraping and sanding.

Scraping and Sanding Smooth:
If the old stain or paint is in good condition but has a rough or uneven texture, we scrape and sand the surface to create a smoother base for the new stain. After sanding, we clean the deck once again to remove any dust or debris. It is important to sand any exposed wood to remove the gray top layer so the brighter wood is exposed to open the pores and allow the stain to better grip and bond to the surface.

Light Carpentry:
Regardless of brand choice, all stains will fail if applied to rotten wood. You must ensure that the wood surface is in good condition. CertaPro Painters® of Andover also provides light carpentry services and we’ll address any damaged boards before applying a stain.

Brand New Decks:
The process for brand-new decks is straightforward. We pressure-wash the deck to clean the debris and dust off the top. Once it has dried, all surfaces will be sanded to remove burrs and open the pores. Then stain coatings can be applied, giving your deck a quality look and protection.

 

For expert deck staining services you can rely on, contact CertaPro Painters® of Andover, MA today! Let us help transform your deck into an outdoor oasis.