Designing your ideal deck can feel like a labor of love, which means you’ll want to preserve its condition for as long as possible. Wood stains provide protection from the sun, mold, and mildew while also enhancing the deck’s overall appearance. To maintain a long-lasting look, here are five tips to optimize their value.
1. Properly Prepare the Wood Surface
Failing to treat wood prior to staining will prevent it from absorbing the color properly. Start with clean, dry, bare wood. Then, use a cleaner like the Penofin Pro-Tech Cleaner and Brightener to open the pores of the wood and remove the mill glaze. Mill saws run at such a high speed and temperature that it often closes the wood’s pores and leaves behind a film known as mill glaze. This can prevent wood stains from penetrating the wood and protecting it as thoroughly.
2. Stir, Spray, Seal
It’s important to frequently stir deck stain products, including any cleaner and/or brightener, before and during application since the color pigment settles to the bottom of the can. Deck stains can be applied using a paintbrush or with a garden pump sprayer. Either way, be generous with the number of coats applied. Once you’re through using the product, tightly seal it around the opening to preserve the stain since it will congeal if exposed to air.
3. Apply Deck Stains in Moderate Climates
Choosing the right time to use deck stains makes a difference. It involves finding the right balance of outdoor temperature, not too hot and not too cold. Avoid application when the temperature dips below 45 degrees or if there’s too much direct sunlight making the wood hot to the touch. Also, make sure the wood is dry with no leftover moisture from the night before because this will extend the time it takes for the stain to dry.
4. Wipe the Surface and Soak the Rags
After deck stains have been applied, wait approximately 20-30 minutes, and then wipe down to remove any excess. Failure to do so will result in a gluey finish which will instantly attract dust and pollen and make your deck appear dirty. Also, after staining is complete, soak used rags in water. Otherwise, chemicals in the oil-based stains may spontaneously combust and cause a fire.
5. Deck Maintenance Between Staining
The number one decayer of wood is dust which is magnified by the sun and wears down the look of your deck. Make it a habit to regularly sweep and/or rinse off the deck between uses. Also, protect it with shade, when possible, and take care of it as you would any other fixture in or outside of your home. Wood stains are designed with UV and mildew protectants to help with preservation, but with simple maintenance, you can make the pristine look of your deck last longer.
Deck stains come in various colors, each meant to complement different types of woods. Our specialists are happy to help you choose the product that will best match your needs. Stop by your local J&W Lumber store today.