Below are steps that would
guarantee a good looking and long-lasting result.
Take
your Time
Take your
time on each step of the deck staining process. Take your time and
let the new, pressure treated lumber
weather for some months and dry out before staining it. Leave stain removers on
the surface long enough to break down old finishes before rinsing it off. Take
your time to prevent spills and overspray on non-targeted surfaces.
Preparation
Preparation is essential
for the results. Brand-new lumber is cleaned
to eliminate 'mill scale’ that is crushing of grain when milling. If left
unattended, it may stop stains from penetrating the wood pores. Sodium
bicarbonate is great stain remover. It is
very efficient for cleaning wood, yet
will not harm vegetation and plant life. If
there is a buildup of stains on the deck, the job becomes tougher, but not
impossible. Use a stain stripper as they are
more caustic, carefully following the directions. They can remove most
weathered stains in a single application.
Brighteners
are Beautiful
This step is most skipped by
many homeowners when staining decks, yet
it is the easiest step. Wood brighteners are easy to paint. They open up the
wood surface improving penetration, neutralizing any stain strippers used, and
restoring the look of outdated, weathered
wood. To apply them, simply spray and wait for some time before rinsing. They
are very easy to apply and have numerous
benefits.
Rinse
like Mad
Use a lot of water after
handling cleaning elements. Though some appear to be safe and harmless, they
all need to be rinsed off thoroughly well after usage. If they are left in the wood, these chemicals may
resurface after some time and attack and break down the new stain. Hence, after
cleaning, rinse the deck to get all of the chemicals out of the wood.
Stay
Away from Cheap Stuff
Before you decide which type
of stain to buy, remember that you will get what you pay for. Better ingredients are expensive. If you want premium
results, then purchase only premium
products. Quality differs when it comes to pigments, resins, mildewcides, and
many other materials making up the wood stain gallon. So keep off cheap stuff
if you want it to last.
Look
at Waterborne Stains
Water-based deck stains have
been popular the last few years. Air quality regulations have coerced
manufacturers to improve these products. Some are now more durable, better and long-lasting compared to conventional oil-based
alternatives. Water-based stains easily clean up with water and soap, contain
no nasty solvents to breathe, improved resistance to weathering, do not need
the wood be totally dry to use them, dry faster than solvents, and are also easier on the environment.
Read
the Can; Follow instructions.
Every product differs in a
way, hence always read the label for instructions. It takes a few minutes after
which you are guaranteed of the right information before you begin. Consider
the number of stains to apply, the
duration between coats, the period after
cleaning, and how long until the wood weathers.
More
is never always better.
Applying a semi-transparent
wood stain on decks are usually the best.
These products allow the wood's natural grain to be visible, enabling the wood to breathe naturally, and are
easily reapplied and cleaned. Heed the instructions and do not overuse these types of products. When many stains are used,
a film may form, much like paint, which will no longer enable the wood to
breathe. The resultant effect is peeling, which is a real mess. Apply only as
much stain as the wood can easily absorb.
The
Paint Brush is King
Deck stains may be painted in different ways. Using a roller
and pump-up garden sprayer are popular
methods. Irrespective of how you apply the wood stain, have a paintbrush in hand. The
friction and agitation brought about by a paintbrush enable wood to take in
more stain.
Take
Your Time
When you are done with the project, take a little time
before using it. Allow your deck to dry out thoroughly prior to putting it back
into use. The stain should dry up first before allowing any foot traffic or
returning patio furniture. You have correctly done everything to this point;
now ensure you allow it at least 24 hours to dry out before using it.
A
Little Maintenance
Some effort can keep your deck
looking great longer. You occasionally need to wash the surface of your deck to keep dirt and leaves from damaging the
finish. If the deck stains begin to lose
its color or showing signs of graying, it may be cleaned using a light stain
maintenance coat and wood brightener.
