
Wood decks provide years of durability and aesthetic appeal to your house, however they do need routine maintenance to protect the wood from decay and water damage. Staining your deck using a waterproofing stain or stain and sealer in one not only brightens its shade but also shields it from dew and rain for many years. Because you require time to prepare the deck before the stain program, make certain that there’s no rain in the forecast for at least three or four days before starting the project.
Remove any plants, furniture or other things from the deck. Cover plants close to the deck using clear plastic sheets or drop cloths.
Sand any rough areas on the deck using 80-grit sandpaper to smooth them out, and hammer down any nails which have popped up. Sweep up any loose dust or debris using a broom.
Mix deck cleaner in a bucket with water according to the label instructions. The amount you’ll use varies depending on the producer.
Pour the deck-cleaning answer onto one small area at one time and bathe it with a stiff-bristled push broom to remove as much dirt and debris as possible. Don’t let the solution puddle in 1 spot. Let the cleaner dwell for the amount of time specified on the tag.
Rinse the deck thoroughly with a garden hose. Allow the wood to dry completely before rinsing the deck, typically about two days.
Stir the stain thoroughly using a paint stirrer, and pour some into a paint tray. If you’re using a paintbrush, pour the stain to a wide-mouthed can.
Dip a paint roller or paintbrush to the stain to completely saturate it.
Brush or roll the stain onto vertical surfaces like rails having smooth, even strokes and back-brush to take out the excess. Stir the stain often while you’re working. Apply the stain to the rest of the deck up to 3 boards at a time, following the direction of the wood grain and utilizing the exact same application technique. Wipe up excess stain or drips as you proceed with old rags.
Allow the stain to dry for at least 24 hours before walking on it or replacing the plants and furniture. Remove the plastic sheets or drop fabrics from the plants immediately after applying the stain.