This post was updated on April 5, 2022
Staining Deck Spindles
How To Stain Deck Spindles
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How to stain deck spindles and balusters.
Staining deck spindles and railings require a detail-oriented mindset. Although staining deck spindles are considered more difficult than staining the floor, we have some tips that will make this step go smoothly for a flawless, even stain application.
First, clean the deck spindles. Wash the railings with a spray nozzle attached to a garden hose to remove dirt and debris. If there are any stains, mild detergent mixed with water should remove them. If there is mildew, use oxygenated bleach. Rinse well with water.
Let the wood dry for 2-3 days after the prep before apply the deck stain.
Cover the deck floor with plastic sheeting before you open any coatings. For staining deck spindles, we recommend the following tools: deck sprayer, brush, and or stain pads. Regardless of the tools you choose, start with the top of the spindle and work your way down. Using a deck stain pad allows for precise stain application. Wipe up any drips as they occur. After applying, back wipe the railings with a stain pad or brush to push the stain deeper into the wood pores. If using a sprayer, we recommend you go back
over the stain with a stain pad to push the stain into the wood for deeper penetration and an even appearance. After staining your deck spindles, you can begin staining the floor if applicable.
If you have any questions, thoughts, or comments about how to stain deck spindles or railings, we want to hear your thoughts. We are here to help! Leave a comment with pictures below.
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Just re-read the question about spindles and you said he couldn’t use a wipe pad to finish.
It seems that would be easier than brushing and I can’t spray. Is there something I could use for wiping? By the way my kids will be helping but I’m trying to get a heads up on this
I have to replace spindles on my deck. How do I go about trying to match the new to the old. Do I use regular wood stain or is there a product specifically for outdoors. Also I am wondering if I should recoat the old spindles with some kind of protection. The spindles are rotting out at the bottom. The deck is 30 years old. I want to replace the whole railing but my kids think i don’t need to do that. I was also thinking about raising the bottom wood piece an inch, cutting all the spindles off and resetting them in the drilled out holes. That way I wouldn’t need to replace the spindles and there would be no problem matching old to new. What do you think?
New wood and old wood will not match as the new wood will stain light in color. You can use stain pads or paintbrushes for reapplying. You need an exterior stain for wood, not an interior stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
I have about 55 deck spindles that I removed for my deck re-build project last year.
I used an orbital sander on each baluster to remove all old stain/paint. They look new and have been in my garage in Western NY since August 2021.
I want to make sure that the whole baluster is stained with Restore-A-Deck Solid Stain.
Do you have any advice for best way to stain prior to mounting them?
All video’s I find show using a Stain Pad on the mounted baluster.
I want to make sure that the backside is fully stained vs just the exposed area.
We will be using the Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Stain on the deck horizontal flooring which was totally replaced last summer as well. It has been weathering in our snowy winter and will be ready for clean/brighten/stain later this Spring.
Thank you for any advice/direction on the balusters.
You cannot use a stain pad for a solid stain. Roll and brush are best. Do one side at a time, let dry, and then rotate.
Great info…thanks!
Is it better to stain the blusters prior to mounting to deck?
In your case, it does not matter.
LOL..true, but was hoping to hear that a full stain vs only exposed areas was a better route to take.
Thanks again….great site!!
It’s not. It would also be easier to stain all sides after installation.
Agreed with easier. I thought protecting full baluster would prevent damage over time from water that may seep into the not exposed areas.
IE behind mounting contact points.
Looks like that is not the case nor needed.
Thanks again!!
What sprayer to you prefer to use for the spindles?
Not all stains can be sprayed. Make sure yours will work with a pump sprayer. We prefer Chapin brand sprayers.
First time staining new 17 month old redwood deck, have purchased the RAD cleaner and brightener. I have 86 ft of railing. It is all high off the ground and the ground is rocky and uneven, will not be using a ladder. Will need to do this from the deck side. Do I need to do the cleaner and brightener on each spindle? Any tips on the best way to do this? should I pressure wash first? Has some gray on boards.
Deck gets full sun all day, no shade. I will be doing this alone. Also using Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain in walnut.
Also I do not have a paint sprayer or know how to use one. That is not an option. Thanks.
Yes, clean and brighten all the wood. Spray the prep products on with a pump sprayer and then pressure wash off. Use stain pads and brushes for applying the stain. Do the spindles first and then the floors last.