We’ve spent the spring getting our gardens in and bringing our yards back to life. You may be ready to kick back and relax on your deck to enjoy all the hard work you’ve put in, only to notice boards are beginning to crack and splinter. Come to think of it, the last time it rained, the water didn’t bead up. That’s right. It’s time to stain and seal your deck again.
Before starting the preparation process, thoroughly inspect your deck for any signs of damage, such as loose boards, nails, or rot. Replace or repair any damaged parts to ensure a stable and safe structure. Sand down any rough spots to avoid getting splinters. If sanding is needed, be sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain.
Next, it’s time to clean. Clear everything from the deck. Sweep the surface to remove loose dirt and leaves. You can then either pressure wash or use a stiff bristle brush, a bucket, and some deck cleaner and scrub everything down. Pay extra attention to areas that receive less sunlight, as they tend to require additional cleaning. You need at least one sunny day after washing your deck for it to completely dry before moving on. Applying stain to a damp deck can result in poor adhesion and an uneven finish.
When it comes to choosing the right stain for your deck, there are several options. There are clear stains that allow the beauty of natural wood to shine through all the way to solid stains that cover earlier stains and blemishes. Solid stains can go over more transparent stains, but not the other way around. Whatever kind of stain you pick, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions. Every company is a little bit different.
Check the forecast. You need a few days free of rain with temperatures between 50-90 degrees. If the weather is too hot, the stain will dry before it can penetrate the wood. Like painting, you do need to do a little prep work. Use painters’ tape and drop clothes to protect siding, gardens, and anything else you don’t want stained.
Begin the staining process by stirring the stain thoroughly and test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the deck to ensure you like it. I personally prefer to use a good brush to apply my stain. This way I can really massage the stain into the wood, leading to better protection from water and UV rays. Start from the furthest end and apply the stain with the length of the board, working your way toward the exit point. Be careful to keep a wet edge so you have an even application of the stain. Most stains now only require one coat but be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Give your deck a few days to dry completely before replacing furniture and putting that beautiful deck back into use. If you’re not feeling confident in your ability to do this yourself, or if you have questions, remember that here at Randy’s, we don’t mind your questions. We don’t mind them at all!
