Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993

If you are finding that your deck stain is streaky then this is likely due to two different reasons. You may have applied the deck stain in the direct sunlight, but more importantly in too warm of temperatures. Ideally, you want to apply deck stain in temperatures of 55-90 degrees. If however it also falls within the line of direct sunlight, that can affect how it goes on and stay on. Deck Stain Applied Unevenly Another thing to consider if your deck stain is streaky is that you did not apply it evenly. You want to be sure to do one thorough coat and give it time to dry. Then depending on the type of deck stain you used, you …

Deck stain blotchy? There are two reasons deck stain can turn out blotchy. The most common reason is overapplication of the deck stain. The other reason most people have their deck turn out blotchy is that they did not prep the deck properly before applying the deck stain. Why does overapplying deck stain make it blotchy? Over-applying deck stain keeps it from soaking into the wood properly, but it still dries somewhat. The liquid sits on the wood, unable to penetrate, particularly with oil-based deck stains. This means that parts of the deck could be dry while other areas are blotchy and tacky. This is the result of not applying the deck stain evenly and using too much deck stain. …

What are the best deck paints? There are no deck paints that should be used on a deck. Paint is a coating over the surface that doesn’t seal or protect. Deck paint is likely to crack, peel, and flake. If you want a solid color use a solid deck stain that will adhere to the wood appropriately for outdoor use. More information about deck paints and the best solid color deck stains Deck Stain vs. Paint: What’s the Difference Between Stain and Paint, and Which Is Best for a Wood Deck? The Best Solid Deck Stains for Deck Stain or Paint? For more info, see our Deck Stain Facts section with over 150 simple Q&A articles that answer all the …

Best type of deck stain? The best type of deck stain is a semi-transparent penetrating deck stain. The best semi-transparent penetrating deck stains are TWP, Armstrong Clark, and Restore-A-Deck. Semi-transparent deck stains have enough tint to offer UV protection while still allowing the natural grain and beauty of the wood to show through. This is of particular benefit with cedar deck stains. Penetrating deck stains sink into the wood to protect it from water, moisture, and mildew. Semi-transparent penetrating deck stains wear more evenly and are very easy to maintain and reapply. More information about best types of deck stain The 7 Best Deck Stain Reviews and Ratings Why Penetrating Deck Stains are Best Best Semi-Transparent Deck Stain Reviews Why …

Best deck stain and sealer colors? There are many deck stain colors available depending on brand and type, and choosing the right one can be difficult. One deck stain color could easily create a different hue on one wood deck over another. What type of wood your deck is made of, the age of that wood, and your desired deck stain color should all come into play when choosing the right deck stain. Deck stain experts at DeckStainHelp.com are here with detailed photo galleries to help you choose the best deck stain and sealer colors. More links to deck stain and sealer color deck stain photos Deck Stain Photo Albums Solid Color Deck Stain Photos Deck Stain Color Photos Semi-Transparent …

Read some of the comments and testimonials our readers have left over the years: With not knowing much about stains and getting not so great advice from many different contractors, Scott was there to give me expert advice on how stains work. With his knowledge and quick responses he probably saved me a whole lot of time and money. Thanks again Scott and thanks for being there for us. — Ben   Wow! Thank you for your quick response. Guess I dodged a huge problem. — Karin   Wow amazing info – thank you!…Couldn’t do this without your site and input. Appreciate it so much. — Carolyn H.   Wow thanks so much for your help! Can’t wait to bring …

Why is my deck stain shiny? Deck stain turns out shiny when it is not properly applied. Proper application of deck stain to avoid a shiny finish begins with preparation. The deck must be prepared and cleaned before new deck stain can be applied. If the deck was prepped correctly the deck stain is shiny because it was over applied. Even solid deck stains that seal and form a film over the wood should not be shiny when completed. What do I do about a shiny deck? The only thing you can do with a shiny deck is to strip it and start over. You will not be able to remove the excess deck stain without damaging the layers beneath. …

Where to find deck stain and paint ideas? The best deck stain ideas can be found within the many deck stain photo galleries within DeckStainHelp.com. Choosing the right type and color of deck stain is vital to getting the look you want. You should never use paint on decks, but there are many semi-solid and solid deck stains that are similar to paint but protect the deck better against weather exposure. Best deck stain ideas from DeckStainHelp.com experts Deck Stain Photo Albums Solid Color Deck Stain Photos Deck Stain Color Photos Semi-Transparent Deck Stain Photos

Types of deck finishes? There are many different types of deck finishes or deck stains. The types of deck finishes include water- and oil-based deck stains, penetrating and film-forming deck stains, deck resurfacing stains, semi-transparent and semi-solid deck stains, and solid color deck stains. See the links below for details. Clear sealer or polyurethane finish is not appropriate for decks. Semi-transparent deck stains are the most recommended by DeckStainHelp.com experts. More information on the types of deck finishes Deck Stains in Update on Deck Stains for Apply Polyurethane to A Deck? The 7 Best Deck Stain Reviews and Ratings

Shelf life of a deck stain? The shelf life of deck stain depends on the type and brand of stain, as well as how the stain is stored. As a general rule, open cans of deck stain can be stored for up to 12 months and unopened cans of deck stain can be stored for up to 2-3 years depending on brand. Marrying like cans of deck stain creates fuller cans that have a lower chance of freezing or spoiling. Deck stain should be stored in a dry, cool, climate controlled area and will freeze if left in an unheated garage during winter. More information on deck stain shelf life What is Shelf Life of Oil Based Deck Stain Will …

Hi, I am Scott Paul, an exterior wood restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in stripping and recoating wood and deck stains. See here for more info about me. Question: How to lighten a deck stain that is too dark? My Pro Tip Answer To lighten a deck stain that is too dark, once dry, strip and/or sand to remove the deck stain. It is best to strip and remove the deck stain completely and start over with a more appropriate deck stain color. It is not possible to fix a deck stain that is too dark without stripping and sanding it and starting over, particularly when using a semi-transparent deck stain or deck sealer. More …

Cedar deck: stain or not? Yes, cedar decks should always be stained with a semi-transparent penetrating deck stain. Deck stain protects the cedar against rain, moisture, and other weather. The semi-transparent nature of the deck stain allows the natural beauty of the cedar to show through. The tint in the semi-transparent deck stain protects the cedar wood from graying with sun damage, and the top deck stain brands have cedar tone options. More information about staining cedar decks Best Stain for New Cedar Deck Why Penetrating Deck Stains are Best Best Semi-Transparent Deck Stain Reviews The 7 Best Deck Stain Reviews and Ratings