Over the past few weeks we’ve looked at the reasoning and strategic steps behind soaking a natural wood deck prior to chemically cleaning it and chemically cleaning a deck. Today we’re taking a look at resealing a deck. In most cases, it’s a good idea to reseal a deck every so often and especially after a good deep cleaning using strong detergent and or caustic types of chemicals.
There’s essentially a continuum of different types of options for sealers. Some of them are water-based and are easy to clean up and easy to apply. Others are oil or solvent-based and are very difficult to clean from tools and or clothing and areas where drips are drops have spilled. There are also options for the degree of color versus transparency. Some stains are solid colors, similar to a paint, and essentially ensconce or hide the wood grain below. Other stains are transparent or semi-transparent and not just show the grain below but in some cases accentuate and even highlight, essentially beautifying and presenting the grain of the wood.
The transparent or semi-transparent stains and sealers essentially have less pigments and therefore have less ultraviolet protection. In a simplified explanation, the pigments essentially block out some of the ultraviolet rays and protect the wood better than transparent or semi-transparent chemicals. The darker color or less transparent sealers and stains essentially are part of treatments that can go at longer duration without having to repeat applications. The transparent or semi-transparent applications need more frequent application and therefore require more labor and upkeep.
In contrast, solid color stains have a high degree of pigments and protect the wood better from ultraviolet degradation or deterioration can go longer periods of time between successive or reapplications of stain and sealer. The difference in labor over time to achieve a similar time frame of longevity can be significant. But the darker solid color applications unfortunately block out all of the natural beauty of the wood grain.
This context or framework of comparison applies pretty evenly, both between water based and solvent or oil based type products. A simple breakdown of the main points of comparison follow:
Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Products:
- Oil-based: Better penetration, enhance wood grain, but can be more difficult to clean up and have stronger odors
- Water-based: Easier application and cleanup, lower VOCs, but may raise wood grain and require more frequent reapplication
Oil-based sealers and stains for decks have better penetration due to their smaller molecular size, which allows them to move between the fibers of the wood, soaking in and filling the pores. This deep penetration provides more thorough and long-lasting protection by preventing moisture ingress and subsequent wood damage. Additionally, oil-based products are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water, which helps them bond with the natural oils and resins present in the wood, enhancing their ability to penetrate deeply and protect against moisture. Oil-based stains and sealers also enhance the natural grain of the wood, providing a rich, lustrous finish that highlights the wood’s natural patterns and colors, making them more prominent and aesthetically pleasing. However, oil-based products require solvents such as mineral spirits or turpentine for cleanup, which can be more cumbersome compared to water-based products. They also have stronger odors due to the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and solvents used in their formulation, necessitating the use of protective gear and adequate ventilation during application.
On the other hand, water-based sealers and stains are easier to apply and clean up, as they can be easily cleaned with soap and water, making the application process more convenient. They also dry faster, reducing the downtime between application and use of the deck. Water-based products typically have lower VOC levels, making them more environmentally friendly and safer for users. The reduced VOC content also means they emit less odor during application and drying, improving indoor and outdoor air quality. However, water-based products may raise the wood grain because water causes the wood fibers to swell, resulting in a slightly rough texture after application that necessitates light sanding between coats to achieve a smooth finish. Moreover, water-based sealers and stains may require more frequent reapplication compared to oil-based products, as they tend to sit on the surface rather than penetrating deeply into the wood, leading to a thinner protective layer that wears off more quickly under exposure to weather and foot traffic.
The better penetration of oil-based sealers and stains is due to their smaller molecular size and hydrophobic nature, which allow them to infiltrate the microscopic pores and fibers of the wood. Oils dissolve in organic solvents that can break down and carry the oils into the wood’s cellular structure, bonding with the natural oils in the wood to create a cohesive and water-resistant barrier deep within the wood fibers. This bond helps prevent moisture from penetrating the wood, which can lead to swelling, warping, and decay. In contrast, water-based products generally have larger molecules that limit their ability to penetrate deeply into the wood. They tend to form a protective layer on the surface of the wood rather than soaking into it, and the water content in these products can cause the wood fibers to swell, affecting the texture and finish of the wood.
Oil-based sealers and stains offer deeper penetration and enhanced wood grain, making them suitable for long-lasting protection, although they come with the challenges we mentioned such as difficult cleanup and strong odors. Water-based products provide easier application and cleanup with lower VOC emissions, but they may require more frequent reapplication and can raise the wood grain.
Use a contractor who understands and cares about doing things right. Always, feel free to reach out to us here at Dupont Decks and Patios. We are happy to help with almost all steps of the deck building and design process. Let us know about your ideas and talk to us if you have questions about possibilities . You can call us at (202) 774-9128. You can find us online at https://dupontdeckspatiosdc.com and you can email us there as well at https://dupontdeckspatiosdc.com/contact-us
