Stain a Deck:  A few tips for a perfect job

The spring flowers are starting to bloom in the garden, the smell of fresh cut grass is in the air, and you get to enjoy your backyard view from a graying deck in desperate need of staining. You know this but you saw the disaster when the neighbors tried to stain their deck so you are more than a bit daunted by the idea your own deck. There is no need be. Your neighbors probably just missed one of the simple steps needed to take a deck from an eyesore to an object of envy. If you use the guidelines below, you are sure to have a beautiful deck again in no time.

Before and After

• This is not a race. Like all things, if it is worth doing it is worth doing right. Restaining your deck is not a weekend project so don’t try to squeeze it into one, you won’t be pleased with the results. Take your time and do each step well, your results will last for years so give it your time and patience.

• Strip. No, don’t do this in the nude! Striping the deck, however, needs to be done. It serves two purposes. First and foremost, it lifts up the old stain. You want to do this or stain will continue to build up over the years and you will lose the grain of the wood. At that point you might as well just paint it. Second, it will break down any sealer that was left from the earlier stain jobs. Without this being removed, the new stain won’t evenly coat the deck. Once the stripper is down you can help it out a little with a quick scrubbing with a long handled bush or even a broom. Rise well. Always let the deck dry completely before the next step, at least 24 hours or 48 hours if it is very humid. This is an important step not to rush.

• More prep work. You can never do too much prep work so now is a good time to take a good look at your deck. Replace any loose screws and look for stains. If you find some they can be safely bleached with a hydronated bleach (won’t harm plants). Any sanding that is needed can be done now too. The goal is to provide evenly colored wood for the new stain.

• Brighten. More than likely one of the things that lead to the neighbor’s deck disaster was that they didn’t use a brightener. Use a good one, not a cheap one (see the end tips). This will lighten the wood closer to its original color. Since you most likely want to use a semi-transparent stain, this will help bring out the grain of the wood, helping it look new.

• Wash. After you have followed the directions on the can the brightener too needs to be washed off. For this, do not use the hose. It is time to pressure wash. Any of the steps that need washing can be done with a pressure washer but this step needs one. You want to get ALL the chemicals totally off as they might affect the stain. You also want to get every little piece of dirt and dust off so the stain goes down evenly. You don’t want anything to mess up your soon-to-be-perfect deck so make sure it dries completely.

• Time for the bush. If you followed the earlier point you are ready to go. Always make sure you give the can a firm shaking. Some people think spraying is the way to go, others will say it is rollers. Really though, the best way to apply stain is with a brush. Spraying can make a mess with a good gust of wind. Rollers are slightly better but you still have your cut aways to do and those places the roller can’t do well. Also, using a bush works the stain in deeper than your other options. Remember again this is not a race so take the extra time and effort.

• Again. About the time you get all that stain on it will be time to put one the second coat. Always make your coats are light rather than heavy. This will let the wood soak up just enough stain. Yes, it is not the fastest way to do it but it is the right way.

• Pat. Once again, by the time you are done with that second coat it will be time to go back to the beginning. This time you are not adding stain but soaking up or spreading around any stain that has not soaked in. This will give your deck that professional look the neighbors wish they had.

Now, in just 24 hours (48 hours to be safe), you are going to have a deck to be proud of and you did it yourself. There are a few tips that didn’t fit above that you might find very helpful on your new project.

• Don’t buy the cheapest products. With stains and their related products you do get what you pay for.
• Don’t use plastic drop cloths outside, use paper or cloth. With plastic, you make a tiny little greenhouse that can quickly kill your plants
• The new synthetic water-based stains are worth considering. Oil-based stains might contain linseed oil that promotes mold and mildew growth.
• Don’t forget yearly maintenance. A good washing and a light coat of fresh stain can do wonders for the life of your deck

You are now ready to go and armed with the information you need. Enjoy your summer on your like-new deck.