This post was updated on November 19, 2022

Prepping for Solid Color Deck Stain Reapplication

Solid (Opaque) deck stains are not transparent and will cover the wood fully, masking the wood grain. Once you apply a solid decking stain, there is little chance you will ever be able to go back to a transparent stain unless you want to heavily power sand.

One question we get often here at DeckStainHelp.com is how to prep for reapplying a solid color deck stain and is it needed to remove the prior solid color deck stain first?

Reapplying An Opaque Solid Color Deck Stain

The key is to remove all the loose and peeling stain from your wood along with any dirt, grime, and mildew. We suggest using a quality deck stain stripper and pressure washing to start. The goal is to not remove all of the old solid stain but as much as you can. Apply the stripper to the deck and pressure wash all of the wood. After this is done, rinse well and let dry for 24 hours. Get out your orbital sander and spot sand any areas to remove the last remnants of peeling stain.

You can coat over your intact solid stain that is not peeling with a new coat of solid stain. See below for a list of the top solid color deck stains.

More Info on Solid Color Deck Stains

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Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993

As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites.

All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.