Staining 101

After all the hours you spend building your new deck, you'll want to protect your hard work from the elements. A wood-protecting sealer or stain is a great option. It penetrates into the wood to shield it from damaging UV rays and moisture, without forming a film that can peel over time. If you choose a product with a tint (we used Thompson's WaterSeal in sheer natural cedar tint), you can add a little colour without covering the woodgrain.

Before you begin, check the weather report. Don't apply the sealer if rain is forecast for 24 hours before or after you plan to stain. Also, the air and surface temperature of the deck must be at least 10C.

 

Like all great projects, you need to prepare the wood for finishing

1. Use a pressure-washer to spray away any dirt, mildew, dust, oil or other contaminants from the deck.

2. Be sure to reach all areas you need to stain, including lattice work and all sides of the railing. Let the deck dry for 48 hours. Also, check the manufacturer's recommendations for wood preparation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Protect your work area

3. Cover ALL plants in the immediate area. Also move any furniture or other items to another location to protect them from drips. Mineral spirits will help remove stains from accidental contact, so have some on hand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Apply A patch in an inconspicuous area, using a brush, roller or sprayer. Let dry, then check to be sure the finish looks right for your deck.

5. Start with the detail work, such as the railings and lattice. Apply a light, even coat to the whole surface of the deck. Use a cloth or dry brush to wipe off any excess left on the surface after 15 minutes. In most situations, one coat will achieve good coverage. However, if you'd like a darker finish, apply a second light coat 12 hours after applying the first coat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. To stain the decking, begin by cutting in the board edges with a brush.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Fill in the deck boards using a paint pad. Allow the deck to dry for 48 hours before walking on it. You'll need to reseal the deck every few seasons. To test the waterproof seal, splash some water on the decking. If the boards change colour and absorb the water in five seconds or less, it's time to reapply.


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