Staining your deck is a great way to enhance its natural beauty and protect it from the elements.
Whether you’re staining a new deck or refreshing an old one, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Cleaning and preparation:
Preparation of the deck before staining is a crucial part.
The preparation required for your deck depends on whether it is new or has been previously stained. If your deck has any
type of coating, you will need to use a wood stripper to remove as much of the previous stain as possible. We highly recommend
using a wood cleaner to effectively restore the natural beauty of weather-beaten or damaged wood surfaces.
This step is important for both new and previously coated wood. Be sure to let the deck dry completely before proceeding.
Sand your deck:
Sanding your deck helps to ensure a smooth and even finish. In addition, sanding can also help to open up the pores of the wood,
allowing the stain to penetrate deeper and providing better protection against the elements. You can use 60-80 grit sandpaper
for this purpose. If you live in Alberta, we do not recommend sanding your deck with higher than 80 grit as it could be very
slippery once the snow hits your deck.
Overall, sanding is an important step in the deck staining process that should not be skipped. It helps to ensure a
long-lasting and beautiful finish that will protect your deck for years to come.
Before staining your deck, it’s crucial to use a blower to remove any remaining dust or debris.
Choose the Right Stain:
Before you begin, it’s important to choose the right stain for your deck. Consider the color, transparency level,
and type of stain you want to use (oil-based or water-based). Make sure the stain is specifically designed for outdoor
decks and has UV protection to prevent fading. It’s very important to use a good quality stain so all your prep work is
not ruined. At Smart Painting Ltd., we prefer to use stains from Sansin Corp. due to their excellent UV and weather
protection, as well as their
stunning medium lustre finish achieved through a two-coat application process.
Apply the Stain:
Apply the stain using a brush, pads or sprayer, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Working in small sections and avoiding overlap marks is important for achieving an even and uniform finish on your deck.
Be sure to apply the stain evenly and thoroughly, covering all the nooks and crannies.
The timing of when you apply your stain is crucial for optimal results. It’s important to avoid applying the
stain under direct sunlight as it can cause the stain to dry too quickly, preventing proper wood penetration.
Additionally, applying the stain during rainy weather is not recommended. It’s best to choose
an overcast day with an average temperature of 21°C for ideal staining conditions.
If desired, you can apply a second coat of stain to deepen the color and provide extra protection.
Wait until the first coat is completely dry before applying the second coat or follow manufacturer’s instructions.
To learn more about deck maintenance click HERE.
To request your free Estimate click HERE.