5 Easy Steps to Stain an Outdoor Structure
Posted on May 18, 2024
Summer is right around the corner, so now is the time to get your wooden outdoor structures ready for the evenings of hosting and playing. Nearly all of us have a wooden structure outside of our home, whether it’s a playset, deck or shed. Regardless of the structure’s shape, re-staining is probably in order. Here are 5 easy steps to stain an outdoor structure.
Sand
The first step in resurfacing the wooden structure is to inspect it and address any repairs that need to be made. Address any mildew, mold, rot or other issues before proceeding. Once appropriate repairs are done and sufficiently dried, take time to sand down the structure. Use a medium grit paper to sand as much of the surfaces as you can.
Clean
Now that there is dust everywhere you will need to clean up the structure. Use a mixture of water and vinegar and some elbow grease to remove all the dust and dirt you can. If any is left, it can mix with the stain and cause bumps and imperfections. Some do it yourselfers find that using a soft bristle brush to get into all the crevices you might be dealing with.
Rinse
You will need a thorough rinsing before you move to the next step. Use the hose a wash away any remaining dirt, detergent, and sand. Be very thorough. It will be worth it after you stain.
Dry
Wood tends to hold onto moisture for longer than you’d expect. Allow quite some time before you move forward with the steps. Give it 24-48 hours to dry.
Stain
Use a roller or brush to apply the stain you’ve chosen from the store. Likely, you’ll need both tools. Using the roller is good for large areas while you’ll need brushes to get into nooks and crannies. When you apply the stain, keep your layers thin, and avoid any areas of pooling. Those are sure to take longer to dry and will cause chipping and bubbling in your stain.
If you have a staining project at your house but want some help, we’re here! Our crews are experienced in both staining and painting wooden structures like decks and sheds. Schedule an appointment with our estimators today.
