How to Stain a Deck
Because they are located outside your home, your wooden deck becomes exposed to harsh elements, like the sun, rain and snow, causing it to fade and deteriorate over time. What you can do to prevent this is to stain your deck. It’s not very hard as long as you know the right procedure.
What You’ll Need:
Wood stain
Brush
Rags
Long-handled roller
Pressure washer
Safety gloves
Safety glasses
Paint roller pan or bucket
Old newspapers or drop cloth
Procedure:
Pick out a stain color. The choice you make depends on the type of deck you have, how obvious you want the stain to be, and how it blends with the rest of your structure. You can buy this from a hardware, and if you don’t know which type to use, ask for assistance.
Cover all the plants and structures around the deck before you begin. It’s annoying to stain a deck perfectly only to find out there are specks of paint all over your plants, fence or wall. You can use a drop cloth or old newspapers to cover them.
Clean the deck thoroughly. If it’s not properly cleaned before you begin, you might accidentally stain over dirt and debris that when moves, will reveal the old deck color. Use a pressure washer or a deck cleaner for this task. These can eject water forcefully, effectively cleaning surfaces.
Allow the deck to dry completely before you start staining.
Open the wood stain container, then stir, trying not to make too much bubbles. Very few or no bubbles makes application more even. After stirring, get the rolling pan or bucket and transfer the stain.
Get the long-handled roller or a brush and immerse it in the stain. Make sure you absorb only sufficient stain for a few strokes.
Apply the stain to small sections of the deck, moving from one spot to another. Don’t hurry the process. By doing small portions one at a time, you’re assured you get to cover everything evenly. If there are excess dark spots or stains, wipe them away with a clean rag.
Stain the railings or balusters. You can either brush them with a paintbrush or you can use an old spray bottle. Spray it on, then wipe with a clean cloth.
Wait for the stain to set for at least 24 hours before walking or using the deck again.
Some Tips
Check the color before the application. Use a small scrap of wood, or apply the stain to an unseen area of the deck.
When applying the stain, do so in the direction of the grain, for better appearance and penetration.
The best temperature when applying stain is between 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t stain when there’s frost or dew, or the stain will be damage or won’t be completely dry.
Don’t apply the stain when sunlight is directly hitting the deck.
Staining is an easy tactic that will ensure your deck’s usefulness for a long time. Follow these tips and give your deck protection and a beautiful appearance.