Deck maintenance, which includes staining and sealing, is a home project very few people choose to do annually because it can be time consuming and requires a lot of effort. These projects should be completed yearly or bi-yearly in order to keep your deck in it’s best shape and it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Here are 5 tips to make staining your deck a fool-proof home project:
1. Choose the right stain
There are many types of wood stain available, but it’s important to choose the one that best suits the wood of your deck. To make sure you get the best type of stain, check the condition of your deck. Is the wood new or old? Does it have varnish or not? Does it have any sort of UV protection? When you have answers to all these questions, then you can better informed decision about the type of wood stain you want to choose and from where to buy to get the best rates.
2. Wood Types
Each type of wood reacts to stain in a different manner. Therefore, it is recommended to apply a good quality primer and then apply the stain on it. Applying the primer on the surface before the actual stain ensures the staining is smooth and not blotchy. Make sure to test the stain on a small surface area to make sure you have the right thing for your deck wood.
3. Avoid a thick stain
Sometimes, the wood stain you apply may become blotchy, uneven or give a messy look due to the wood surface. This may happen if the stain you’re applying is too thick. To make sure your stain application is smooth, and you can evenly apply it, add a little thinner to the stain. A small amount of thinner can prevent the blotchiness when you apply the stain on the wooden surface.
4. Fix the blotchy bits
Your stain can become blotchy on drying if your deck wood isn’t treated to endure tough weather conditions. To get rid of the blotchy bits, apply a weather conditioner with a brush. Let it dry for 15-20 minutes and then apply light coats of stain. You can do another round of stain application if the surface doesn’t seem too neat. Make sure to stick to the guidelines for applying the stain correctly.
5. Dry up the Moisture
If you live in an area where it’s highly humid, the wood can have moisture in it. Before you start the staining process, make sure the wood is clean and dry completely. A moisture stricken deck wood surface can prevent smooth stain application; the stain will come off in form of flakes if there is moisture in the wood. Make sure to apply stain when the weather is dry and warm, to minimize the possibility of moisture in the wood.
Author Information: This article was written on behalf of Deck Daddy, a reputable deck resurfacing company to help you make your deck as good as new.