You're here because you want to make your deck look nice and new again, but you don't know how. Or maybe you've tried staining it before, but the stain didn't last more than a few months!
Staining your deck in Winter Park can take all day to complete, and you have to be extremely careful not to get any on the ground or surrounding plants. If you've tried everything from scrubbing the deck with soap and water to using bleach or other harsh chemicals, but your deck still looks drab, you're probably missing out on an important step.
Follow this guide for more details on what to do.
Clean the deck thoroughly
There are several steps involved in staining your deck.
Start by using a power washer or garden hose to get the dirt and stains off your deck. Even though these methods can get the job done, remember that they can also damage your deck if the pressure is too high.
Once any large debris has been removed, clean the surface of your deck with a scrub brush to remove any stubborn dirt and grime.
Next, you'll need to sand down any rough spots on your wood so that the stain will have a uniform color. This is best done with a power sander or by hand with a block of wood and some sandpaper.
Apply a pre-treatment solution to stained areas
Preferably, do this before cleaning your deck so that it will have more time to soak into the wood.
Pre-treatment solutions are available at most hardware stores and typically contain household items such as vinegar, diluted bleach, ammonia, or white shoe polish.
Cleaning your deck is hard, but you don't want to use chemicals or harsh cleaners that could damage the wood.
There are also plenty of pre-stain conditioners out there in case your wood is especially dry or old. Apply the conditioner to the wood, let it soak for about 10 minutes, and then thoroughly rinse it off before proceeding with staining.
Make sure your deck is dry before staining it
After you've cleaned your deck, be sure that it's completely dry before you stain it.
If there is any moisture left on the wood, the stain may not set properly and could peel off later.
To speed up the drying process, use a fan or a hairdryer to dry the surface of your deck(if necessary).
More so, you can apply the stain evenly with a paintbrush, roller, or sprayer.
Allow the stain to dry completely before applying a sealant
It's important to allow any stain you apply to your deck to dry thoroughly before applying a sealant. Otherwise, the sealant may not stick as well and may come off with dirt or water.
Applying a sealant
Typically, this is done on clear-coated decks. This helps the sealant adhere better and also helps it last longer. The best time to do this step is after the stain has dried for 24 hours (or up to 48 if you're using an oil-based stain).
How you apply your sealant depends on the type of wood that you stained. If it is smooth, pre-stain conditioners will be enough for sealing it. If not, you should use an oil or water-based sealant for a more natural look. You can purchase both from hardware stores for around $10-$50 depending on the size and manufacturer.
As a guiding principle, always wait for 24 hours before proceeding with sealing your deck with a water-based sealant. This allows the surface to dry completely and ensures a strong bond between the stain and the sealant.
Oil-based sealant
If you want a shiny, more waterproof finish for your deck, then use an oil-based sealant.
Oil-based sealants provide a much stronger and more waterproof finish and are usually recommended for those areas that are exposed to water.
Before applying an oil-based sealant to your deck, make sure it is completely dry to ensure enhanced protection and durability. Clean the surface of your deck using mineral spirits or turpentine before applying the oil-based sealant (make sure to follow the instructions on the can).
After you're done, wait 24 hours before applying any other coats of sealant. For best results, apply at least three coats of sealant, allowing them each time to dry completely before adding more.
Enjoy your newly stained deck!
Staining your deck can give it a new and refreshing look if you follow the above steps. And applying a sealant will help protect your new stain from rain and other elements that can cause it to fade or chip away.
With so many options available at most home improvement stores, shopping around until you find exactly what you need should take no more than 30 minutes! That's all there is to it: grab some tools and get started with this project today! You'll have a beautiful new deck by tomorrow morning if everything goes according to plan!
If you’re looking for a deck staining company near you then give us a call. Bausmann Painting is the best deck staining company in Winter Park and we serve all of Central Florida. Contact our team of experts today who would love to help guide you through the process or answer any questions that you may have.
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