Stain Your Deck Like A Pro

Did you step onto your deck for summer and get a nasty surprise? Winter ice and snow can really cause quite a commotion on the look of your wooden deck. It might be time to put a bit of love back into it to make it look better and last longer. Here is how to stain your deck like a pro.

Time

Most often, when homeowners set out to stain their deck is that they don’t allow enough time to complete the work. This is a job that cannot be rushed. There is a decent amount of preparation that needs to be done before you begin rolling stain. Rushed jobs will not look as nice or last as long. If you have a hard deadline, hiring a crew might be the answer.

Preparation

The deck and area around it must be cleaned thoroughly before staining can begin. Get a leaf blower or broom and make sure all twigs and leaves are off the deck before you begin. It’s a good time to address any black stains or other discolorations you may see. If the stain is put over them, they are sealed in.

A good pressure washing can help you wash away scale, weathering and other issues. Clearing this away will help the new stain adhere and provide protection for years to come. When you are shopping, look for a cleaner with sodium precarbonate. These provide good cleaning ability without harming the plants and flowers around your deck. As an added bonus, they are safe to skin and around your family.

Should the deck have more build up than the cleanser can handle, you may be looking at a stain stripper. These are much harsher chemicals and can hurt you, your deck wood, and the surrounding shrubbery if not used appropriately. Make sure you follow ALL of the manufacturer’s directions. Once the wood is stripped, you will also need to sand and re-clean the wood surfaces.

Rinse, rinse, rinse

Chemicals remaining on the wood will hinder the stain you are putting on. Rinse and rinse again. The wood should be free from chemicals, dirt or sanding powder. If the wood isn’t cleaned under the stain, the wood can break down underneath.

Spring for quality

After a complete dry out of the wood, it’s time to begin staining. Know that when you shop for stain, you get what you pay for. Better ingredients will up the price but give you better longevity. These products will also be accompanied by better warranties, meaning more protection for your deck.

Water-based Stains

While water-based stains have had a bad reputation, manufacturers have stepped it up. Some of them are even reviewed as being longer lasting than oil-based stains. You’ll enjoy an easy clean up with water based stains. Plus, some offer the ability to be put onto wet decks, resist weather and dry quickly while not harming the environment.

Directions

Most directions for stains will be similar, but it’s important to read what your manufacturer suggests before starting your project. Some might have slight differences that will make for the optimum result. Coats, time between and how long to wait before the first cleaning should all be detailed and adhered to.

More IS NOT Better

Because stains are made to allow the deck to breathe, extra layers will not provide more protection. It’s quite the opposite actually, the deck could be losing air flow causing the stain to peel off in just a season or two.

Brush it out

Stains can be applied several ways. A sprayer or roller are two of the most common methods. If you choose to spray, keep a brush handy. There will be places that need a bit of a touch up as you spray. The brush pushes more of the stain into the wood and covers missed spots. Also, do this step as you move through the project. It’s easier to correct an issue while the stain is still wet.

This takes time

You’ll have to allow for an ample dry time before you start to reset your patio. It’s easy to grab your chairs and grill and get them back on your finished product. This is a great way to run a good stain. You should let your deck completely dry for at least 24 hours before even foot traffic is allowed on it. Even more to replace items.

Maintenance

Once you’ve put in this work on your deck, you’ll want to maintain it for longevity. Wash it down every so often with a host to keep dirt, leaves and buildup from creating stains. Leaf blow twigs and tree debris from it. With these small steps, your deck will remain beautiful for seasons to come.

Need a hand?

Here at CertaPro Painters® of Thousand Oaks, CA we provide a wide range of professional house painting services including power washing and staining. Have a look, and if you’re interested, give us a call at 805-430-2080, or schedule a free estimate online today!

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