A step-by-step guide to staining your deck like a pro and how to achieve a perfect finish
Considering how frequently they are exposed to the elements, wood decks need routine care. The deck is directly vulnerable to all weather conditions, absorbing the full brunt of precipitation, snow, and ultraviolet rays, unlike siding or even roofing.
Rain does not discharge like siding or a roof. It should therefore come as no surprise that, depending on the circumstance and the products employed, the stained wood deck surface needs maintenance every one to three years. This guide will show you how to stain a wood deck once it is power washed and sanded.
Selecting a Stain and a Brush
- Use a good surface semi-transparent oil-based infiltrating stain. Use a premium, natural China-bristle brush for applying paint. Avoid using nylon or polyester brushes with products that contain oils. Additionally, always adhere to the stain manufacturer’s application guidelines.
Step-By-Step Guide to Staining Deck
Begin with the Handrail
The handrail or tallest point of the deck is ideal for staining once the timber has been scraped. Drip prevention will be achieved by doing this. Be sure to clean the handrail’s corners and base. Proceed from the wet region to the dry region to keep a wet border for a smooth texture with uniform coloring.
- Note: Staining should be done on a day that is cloudy and not too hot, if possible. As the stain will set so fast, applying it in glaring direct sun can make it harder to eliminate lap lines.
Stain Posts and Horizontal Members
After finishing the handrail, color the deck rail system’s horizontal and vertical elements.
Stain Beneath the Handrail
- Don’t forget to reach the corners or any spots that are underneath or difficult to see. If you own an elevated deck, these regions will become highly obvious from the exterior of the deck area. This level of attention to detail is necessary for producing quality work, and completing the task correctly up front is far simpler than doing it later.
Preserve the Deck Surface
Put a spill cloth beneath the stain pan and pad loading area while you proceed to the final job, painting the deck surface directly. Since canvas won’t blow around as rapidly as plastic, a heavy-weight canvas drop cover is preferable. Some tarps feature a rubber or plastic lining on the reverse to stop stains from penetrating.
Stain the Deck Surface
- There are several techniques to stain the deck surface. You have three options: a brush (if you enjoy bending down and kneeling for long periods of time), a pressurized sprayer (with the risk of the wind coloring the side of your home), or a huge pad roller (the best method).
Large areas are swiftly covered by the paint pad applicator, which performs a superb job of applying a smooth, even covering of stain. The only drawback is the potential for inadequate coverage in the areas between the deck planks if your deck has wider gaps.
- In that scenario, you may employ a brush to reach the seams, then use a pad brush to apply the stain to the deck surface and wipe off the excess while it’s still wet.
Alternately, as you’re already down there manually staining the gaps, you might as well just stain the deck boards as well while keeping the brush’s tip wet. Use a brush that is 3- to 4-inches wide if you decide to stain the deck with a brush.
- Spread the stain to the deck planks by immersing the applicator pad into the paint container and painting the planks in sweeps that are parallel to their length. Spread the color generously, allow it to sit for a couple of minutes, and then inspect for any puddles of stain that didn’t absorb into the wood. Wipe these areas with a rag.
Move in the Direction of Your Exit
To avoid staining yourself into a situation, finish the staining process at a point of egress, like a door or set of stairs. Normally, you would want to begin at home and work outward, but you might need to adjust your strategy so you can end at the steps and leave the deck when you’re through staining.
Stay Off the Deck
- Before using the deck, let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for up to 24 hours.
Use this comprehensive guide the next time you set out to stain your deck. But if the process seems very complicated to you, you can always contact the deck experts at Dupont Deck Builders!
