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Stain the Deck Boards Don’t stain yourself into a corner. Stain the deck boards using a paint pad applicator. Apply one coat of stain in long, even strokes. Use a paintbrush to stain between cracks and in any problem areas. Once you’re finished, clean the brushes and paint tray.
Is it better to brush or roll stain on a deck?
The agitation and friction caused by a paint brush will cause the wood to absorb more stain. So if you are spraying or rolling the stain, always back-brush it in with a brush while the stain is still wet; you’ll achieve much better penetration in to the wood.
What are the steps to staining a deck?
How to Stain a Wooden Deck First Steps. When staining your deck, first make sure it is clean and dry. Maintenance. Step 1: Sweep the Surface. Step 2: Creating a Plan. Step 3: Protect Exterior Walls. Step 4: Add Stain to Tray. Step 5: Attach Pole to Paint Pad. Step 6: Stain Deck With Paint Pad.
Do you need to clean a deck before staining?
Before you apply stain, make sure the surface is clean (no dust, dirt, wood fibers or grease), dry and free from mildew. When a surface is not clean, stains and other finishes have trouble sticking and may end up peeling. 1. Thoroughly sweep the deck to remove all leaves and other debris.
How many coats of stain should you put on a deck?
The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much deck stain as the wood can absorb. Typically this will be 2 coats, unless your dealing with extremely dense hardwoods which may only be able to absorb 1 coat of wood stain.
What if it rains after I stain my deck?
If it rains within 48 hours after you apply the stain, the water will soak into the wood pores and try to displace the stain. This will result in a splotchy surface rather than an even tone. If it rains right after you apply the stain, the stain will peel and flake off.
Do you seal a deck after staining?
Most of the time, stains also contain a protective sealant. It’s a good idea, though, to re-seal your deck (or check that it needs to be re-sealed) once a year. Water-based stains can adhere to water or oil-based coatings already present on the wooden surface.
Can you use a roller to stain a deck?
A paint roller can be used to roll stain on. A wide 18-inch roller may work well for staining a few fence or deck boards at a time but a mop or stain pad will hold more stain lessening the amount of time you have to dip back into the stain bucket.
How long does deck stain need to dry before walking on it?
In most cases a full body stain or acrylic deck finish will be dry to touch within an hour in dry, hot weather. After two hours you could take a chance and walk on it with shoes, though I’d recommend barefoot. After about 4 hours you should be able to safely walk on your deck.
What temperature should it be to stain a deck?
Helpful Stain Application Tips Apply stain only at the proper temperature. For most stains, 70 degrees Fahrenheit is the optimum, with the safety range from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can you stain a deck in the evening?
If you stain your deck in the summer, make sure you do it out of the direct sunlight. Applying a deck stain in direct sun will cause the stain to dry to quickly and can result in premature stain failure. In the summer, stain your deck in the morning or evening so the deck surface isn’t too hot.
Can I use OxiClean on my wood deck?
OxiClean is safe to use on decks. When cleaning your outdoor deck, the oxygen bleach is a much better alternative than chlorine bleach as it cleans any deck surface without causing discoloration or damage to plants, shrubs, soil and similar surroundings.
What grit sandpaper should I use on my deck?
Sand the Deck Use 60- or 80- grit sandpaper on the main deck boards, and use 80- or 100-grit on the handrails. After sanding, vacuum the deck thoroughly to ensure that dust does not settle on the new finish.
How do I know if my deck is dry enough to stain?
Another way of checking if your wood is ready for stain is to pour a little water on the wood. If the water beads up, the lumber still too wet to be stained or painted. If the water is absorbed into the wood easily, it’s ready to be sealed or stained.
Do I have to wait 4 hours between coats of stain?
For a deeper color and sheen, wait one hour and apply a second coat. After 1 hour, the surface is dry to the touch. Wait overnight before subjecting the wood to normal use. For a deeper color and sheen, wait one hour and apply a second coat.
How do I know if my deck needs a second coat of stain?
A good rule of thumb is to lightly touch the portion that has been stained. If it feels tacky to the touch (a little sticky and not wet) then you can apply the second coat.
Can you stain a deck over multiple days?
Ultimately you want two set aside at least two days. If you need to power wash your deck or replace any boards it may take you an extra day or two. It is ideal to stain your deck in a season that experiences mild temperatures. The direct sunlight can cause the deck to dry too quickly which will leave water marks.
How many hours does it take to stain a deck?
The average time it takes to stain a deck is about 20 hours per 500 square feet. That includes 3-5 hours for the stain itself as well as cleaning and other preparation.
Can you stain a deck if it rains the next day?
It is best to never stain any exterior wood when inclement weather is forecasted, especially rain. Most deck stain brands will warn against the application of their product within 12-24 hours of rain being forecast. Some stains can handle rain shortly after being applied better than others.
