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deck staining tips

Staining A New Deck

by Deck Stain Help 03/07/2018

Update 2019 for Staining New Decks

DeckStainHelp.com has become the Internet’s go-to site for all things exterior wood surface restoration related. As before, we recommend you wait 3+ months to stain new wood surfaces to allow the wood to weather, creating an ideal porous surface that will hold the stain better. We encourage customer interaction on our site, so feel free to participate in our open discussion.

Over the past year, we have numerous questions asked on the site, but none was asked more than “What stain or prep is needed for my new deck”? There seems to be an opinion among homeowners that is okay to stain new wood right away or even before the deck is installed. This is incorrect for most wood types and stain brands.

In this article, we will cover the required prep and the waiting period needed before applying a stain for the first time.

New Smooth Decking

New smooth decking boards are not porous enough for most stains to be able to penetrate properly. This is mainly due to:

Mill glaze when cut
High moisture content
Chemicals in Pressure Treated Wood

Most wood stains, when applied to new wood will have a very difficult time of penetration into the wood cells. This will result in an uneven application and premature stain failure by quickly fading or peeling. Remember, the deeper the stain soaks into the wood, the longer the life of the stain.

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Deck Stains

by Deck Stain Help 02/19/2018

Update 2019 Please read this article and post any questions you have in the comment are below. Our newly enhanced website now offers the ability to upload and post pictures of your exterior wood or deck.

Deck stains have not changed much in the past few years. Many brands have gone away from oil based stains to water based, but you are still able to use oil based stains in all US States and Canada. We currently restore about 300-400 decks annually, and our favorites are the penetrating semi-transparent and semi-solids.

We have been getting great feedback here at www.deckstainhelp.com from all of the consumers who have been looking for better stain alternatives for their deck restoration. Our most popular article, “What is the Best Deck Stain” has quickly become the number one article on the web for asking questions and getting answers on restoring your exterior wood and deck.

In this article, we are going to cover what actually is a “Deck Stain”. We will compare the many different types of decking stain options available and what are the positives and negatives of each.

Deck Stains

Deck stains are used to protect and preserve your exterior wood. They offer UV protection, water repellency, mold and mildew resistance, etc. Deck coatings come in many different types of opacity and bases. Many deck stain brands can be restricted in certain states, cities, and counties based on their VOC laws.

Deck staining can be a “chore” for residential homeowners and unfortunately walking into your local store may produce some of the worst options available. Not all deck stains are created equal and there is not a perfect stain type or brand that will outperform all the others.

Water-Based Deck Stains

Water based deck stains have come on rapidly in the last 4 years. The main reason for the vast amount of water based stains on the market today is related to changes in VOC laws across the country. Many states have adopted or soon will adopt lower VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) regulations. This has prompted stain manufacturers to increase production of water-soluble decking stains. In our opinion, water-based deck stains are “thin” paints with varying amount of acrylic and pigment.

Pros: Water cleanup, less chance of mold or mildew growth. Environmentally friendly.

Cons: Do not penetrate like an oil-base can. Slightly harder to apply as they dry quicker. Can be prone to peeling and wearing. *Restore-A-Deck Wood Stains and Defy Wood Stains are the only exceptions that we have tested. They penetrate the best of all water based stains, nearly as well as an oil.

Oil based Deck Stains

Oil based decking stains have been around for 20-30 years and have been traditionally what all stain manufacturers produce. Oil based stains are typically made up of natural and synthetic oils. Many contain oils: Linseed Oil, Paraffin Oil, Tung Oil, Rosewood Oil, Etc.

Pros: Excellent penetration into wood. The better a deck stain can penetrate, the better the performance. Easier to apply. More natural looking.

Cons: Stronger odors, longer drying and curing time. Some oils can promote the growth of mildew. Some oil-based stains will darken in color over time.

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How To Stain Your Wood Deck

by Deck Stain Help 06/14/2018

Deck Stain Pad

How to stain a deck yourself

Deck staining is a very important process that improves the appearance of your deck and helps to protect it from the elements. A good quality stain can help your deck last for a much longer period of time than if left untreated.

There are many different reasons you would want to stain or re-stain your deck, but it might be too expensive for you to hire a professional company, or you may just enjoy taking on DIY projects.

Whatever the reason, if you are looking for tips on how to stain a deck on your own, this article aims to provide you with tips on how to complete a stained deck yourself – to the highest possible standards.

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Applying a Deck Stain to Damp Wood

by Deck Stain Help 04/16/2018

Applying a Deck Stain to Damp Wood on the same day as prep? We here at deckstainhelp.com have been receiving inquiries asking how best to apply a deck stain to damp wood. This is a newer concept, as before, stains could only be applied to dry wood that has been prepped with a waiting period of 2-3 days after prep. So far, the only stain that we have tested that can be applied to damp wood is Restore-A- Deck Wood Stain.

We recommend you follow this protocol for applying stain to damp wood:

Properly prep your wood surface with correct prep products. Prepping is always the key to the stain’s longevity. Any questions on how to prep, please see our extensive articles in the main menu.
Wait 2-4 hours after the prep to let the wood dry somewhat. The RAD stain can be applied to damp wood but not to visibly soaking wet wood.
Start with vertical surfaces first, such as railings. Make sure horizontal and other surfaces are
protected from excess paint. After the first coat is complete, apply a light second coat to the top
of the railing only between 20 minutes to 2 hours after the first coat has been applied.
Repeat this process for all benches or vertical structures.
Once all vertical surfaces are stained, apply one coat of Restore-A- Deck wood stain to flooring
and horizontal surfaces, ensuring the entire floor is covered.
Reapply a second light coat 20 minutes to an hour after the first coat has been applied. For new decks, less than a year old, only apply one coat of stain.

Deck after prep showing damp wood but not soaking wet.

Restore A Deck Stain After Prep

Our deck immediately after damp wood application

Restore A Deck Stain Damp Wood Application

Have you applied stain to damp wood? We want to hear your thoughts and suggestions. Leave us a
comment below.

8 comments

Staining a Deck in the Spring

by Deck Stain Help 02/07/2019

Staining a Deck in the Spring 2019 Tips

With the Spring 2019 thaw comes the resurface of your wood deck. It’s been a tough winter for your deck with temperatures ranging from brutally cold to near-spring warm in a matter of a few days throughout the winter season. With all this stress on the wood, it may be time for you to treat your wood deck to a fresh coat stain.

It is exciting when the weather starts to warm up and you have the urge to tackle your deck stain project at the first sign of spring. However, this might be a bad idea. Stop yourself before you run to the store or your web browser to buy your deck stain supplies. Make sure you take a look at the long-term forecast and make sure it won’t rain for the next 48 hours at least and temperatures won’t drop below 50 degrees F. Also, watch out for pollen levels in the area. If pollen lands on your drying deck stain, it can promote the growth of mold and mildew.

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Why Choose a Water Based Deck Stain

by Deck Stain Help 03/05/2018

Update 2018 for Why Choose a Water-Based Deck Stain

Here at DeckStainHelp.com we take pride in the fact that our customers come to us for the latest in deck restoration news and trending topics. New in 2018 is further confirmation that choosing a semi-transparent, water-based stain really is the best overall choice to enhance your deck’s natural wood grain. As years before, our customers who have used Defy Extreme wood and deck stain continue to be satisfied by the appearance and longevity of their deck stain projects. We appreciate your input. If you have used a water based stain, feel free to leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects if you have them.

When it comes to choosing a deck stain there are a lot of things to consider like how well it is going to protect the deck and what the final finish might look like. In general, there are two basic types of deck stains, oil based and water based. Some people have their preference. For example, oil-based stains have been around the longest so many consumers trust that type of stain. However, with more recent concerns with our environment, many people have been looking in the way of a quality water-based deck stain. This may only be one reason why someone might choose a water-based deck stain.

New ground breaking technology has taken water-based deck stains to the top to compete with, and in some cases outperform oil-based stains. In addition to being eco-friendly, water-based deck stains like Defy Extreme utilize nano particle technology combined with high-grade resins to block the sun’s destructive UV rays preventing graying and fading. This is unheard of with a tinted wood finish and is a first in the stain industry. Water-based stains also prevent water penetration, which may lead to structural damage and costly repairs. In addition, a stain like Defy uses a zinc additive that naturally resists fungal growth preventing discoloration and wood decay.

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How to Apply a Deck Stain Evenly

by Deck Stain Help 03/09/2018

Update for 2018: How to Apply a Deck Stain Evenly

We here at Deckstainhelp.com appreciate your loyalty. For 2018 and beyond, we vow to remain committed to being your go-to source for deck staining tips and latest industry news on the internet. See below for tips on how to apply deck stain evenly. If you have any further recommendations we may have left out, please feel free to share them in the comments below. Also, we encourage you to share pictures of your completed super deck projects.

Many people set out to stain their own deck but do not realize that just slapping it on can have less than mediocre results. There is a little more to applying deck stain than just squirting it on with a pump sprayer or slapping it on with a brush. Applying a deck stain evenly is going to ensure a nice even professional like finish. It can also help ensure proper stain penetration and reduce the chance over applying, which can lead to a blotchy finish that ends up flaking off.

First wash the wood surface with a wood cleaner, brush, and/or pressure washer. Follow up the cleaning with an application of deck brightener to help open up the wood pores. After the wood as dried for a couple of days it is now ready for stain. Most deck stains can be applied using various application tools. A brush, stain pad, roller, or an airless sprayer can all work well. Use whatever tools work best for you.

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Can You Stain Your Deck in the Summer Heat?

by Deck Stain Help 03/08/2018

Update for 2018: Can You Stain Your Deck in the Summer Heat?

We here at Deckstainhelp.com appreciate your loyalty. For 2018 and beyond, we are committed to being your go-to source for all things deck staining related. If you have ever wondered how hot is too hot to stain a deck, read on. We want to hear from you. What time of year do you think is the best time to stain a deck?

Having a wood deck means you are probably familiar with deck care or at least what can happen without regular deck care. To protect the investment of a wood deck the wood needs to be protected with a wood preservative. Unprotected wood will weather quickly. Harsh UV rays will gray a deck in a short time. Additionally, unwanted moisture will begin to wrap, crack, and split wood decking causing the need for costly repairs. To preserve and protect wood for many years a deck needs to have a regular coat of deck stain. Deck stain reflects UV rays, traps out water intrusion, reduces fungal growth, and can even enhance the beautiful nature of the wood.

Many deck owners wonder when the best time of year is for staining a deck. Spring and fall are great times because the air temperatures are perfect for staining. Deck stain should be applied in temperatures between 50-90 degrees. With that said, can you stain your deck in the summer heat? It is possible if that is the time of year you need to do it. There is, however, a few things you will want to avoid for getting the best results.

23 comments

Best Wood Stain for Pool Decks

by Deck Stain Help 03/09/2018

Update 2018 for Best Wood Stain for Pool Decks

We at DeckStainHelp.com would like to thank you for your continued support as we continue to be the internet’s number one resource for all things wood deck restoration related. See this article for tips for picking the best stain for your wood pool deck. If you have stained a pool deck, we want to hear about your experience and any tips you may have. Feel free to leave us a comment below.

Exterior wood surfaces need to be protected from harsh elements like UV rays and moisture. Foot traffic from people and even pets can also do damage. A wood surface around a pool, however, is subjected to a lot more moisture and harsh chemicals like chlorine so it becomes even more crucial to provide protection. Doing so will help the areas like a pool deck last much longer.

When it comes to staining wood there are a few things to keep in mind. Prepping the wood correctly and choosing a quality deck stain are crucial. Follow the proper instructions for cleaning and prepping a wood deck prior to staining. Once the wood is prepared correctly the decision must be made as to which stain to apply.

33 comments

It Rained Shortly After Staining. What to do?

by Deck Stain Help 03/10/2018

Update for 2018: It Rained Shortly After Staining. What to do?

We continue to appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below if it rained on your deck shortly after the stain was applied. Any pictures of your deck stain project will help.

It is best to never stain any exterior wood when inclement weather is forecasted, especially rain. Most deck stain brands will warn against the application of their product within 12-24 hours of rain being forecast. But as we all know sometimes the weather is not so predictable. So what do you do if it does rain shortly after staining?

You cannot do much until it stops raining once it starts. After the rain has passed and the deck has dried take a closer look. It really depends on how hard it rained and for how long. A light drizzle most likely won’t hurt anything but a good downpour can be a different story. The type and brand of stain can make a difference as well. Some stains can handle rain shortly after being applied better than others.

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How Dry Does the Deck Need to be After Cleaning it to Apply the Stain?

by Deck Stain Help 03/10/2018

Update for 2018: How Dry Does the Deck Need to be After Cleaning it to Apply the Stain?

Since we published this article, the Restore-A-Deck stain was introduced, allowing for this stain to be applied to a damp deck. For all other brands of stain, we still recommend you wait until the surface has completely dried before applying. We always appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below with pictures of your deck stain projects.

The first step in deck restoration and/or maintenance is to clean and prep the wood. This is the key to a longer lasting finish. Properly prepped wood will allow the deck stain to penetrate and perform to its full potential. So how dry does the deck need to be after cleaning it to apply the stain? Well, that can be measured in several ways.

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Deck Stain Instructions for “Wet on Wet”

by Deck Stain Help 03/11/2018

Update for 2018: Deck Stain Instructions for “Wet on Wet”

Welcome to Deckstainhelp.com, your source for the latest in deck stain developments, industry insights, and tips. See below “wet on wet” application directions to be used when you are applying a deck stain. We want to hear from you. Leave us a comment below about your projects that involve “wet on wet” application.

Deck Stain Application Instructions for 2 coats “Wet on Wet”.

The term “wet on wet” refers to a two-coat application process specific to semi-transparent penetrating stains. In the wet on wet method, the first application of stain is applied to an area. Then before the first coat dries or cures, a second coat is applied over the top. This method ensures that the first coat, being still wet, has not sealed the boards from accepting more stain.

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