How To Prep Your Deck For Restaining

Before you apply stain make sure the surface is clean no dust dirt wood fibers or grease dry and free from mildew.

How to prep your deck for restaining. If your deck isn t brand new always use a cleaner before applying finish. Strip off a water acrylic finish. If your deck sucks up moisture like a sponge or has begun to fade flake or is looking dingy it s time to restain it normally every 2 to 5 years. When a surface is not clean stains and other finishes have trouble sticking and may end up peeling.

Relocate things like tables chairs planters and grills to the garage or a nearby part of the yard. Before you apply stain make sure the surface is clean no dust dirt wood fibers or grease dry and free from mildew. Deck stain protects the wood from moisture and uv damage helping to prevent rot mold and mildew. Mix one gallon of oil based deck stain with pint of exterior grade varnish.

Deck stain stripping vs. Or use a pressure washer but if you do the wood will need two to three days to dry. Confirm no rain for 24 48 hours. Once your deck is clean mold mildew and splinter free and all previous coatings are removed you re ready to apply deck stain.

Thoroughly sweep the deck to remove all leaves and other debris. Pour the borate solution into the pump sprayer and apply it to the deck and railings to kill algae. Come the following spring apply a final coat of stain. Learn how to prepare a deck for stain or paint.

A wood deck cleaner can help remove dirt nail stains algae and mildew. Clean the wood by applying a deck cleaner. After that inspect your deck for damaged deteriorated or lifted boards splinters and popped nails fix them and make sure to clear out the gaps between the boards. Then wet down the siding near the deck using your garden hose.

Let the deck dry for two or three days. Remove all furniture and accessories from your deck. After the stain dries apply a transparent stain sealer and allow it to cure. Apply two stain coats with a sponge applicator.

Follow these guidelines for cleaning and sanding decks to prepare for applying stains and paints. Lack of preparation is the most common reason why deck stains and sealers fail so don t skip this very important step. You want the floor of your deck to be completely free of obstructions before you get started. You ll need to keep your deck clear for at least 2 days after cleaning it.

Sweep the deck and use a putty knife to clean between the boards. When a surface is not clean stains and other finishes have trouble sticking. Protect plants around your deck with a fabric drop cloth or light colored tarp not clear poly sheeting the greenhouse effect will fry your plants especially if the sun is out.