This post was updated on June 26, 2024
Hi! I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood staining and restoration. My simple deck stain facts and tips are based on my history as a wood restoration contractor. See here for more info about me.
Question: How To Apply a Deck Stain Easily
What is the easiest way to apply a deck stain, and which tools should you use? This varies depending on the deck stain type and brand. We will list your best and easiest tool options for each stain type.
See our Deck Stain Facts section, which includes over 150 simple Q&A articles that answer all your questions about deck staining, cleaning, and prep.
How to Apply a Clear Sealer
Clear deck sealers are very easy to apply. Any of these deck staining tools will work:
- Pump up Sprayer Best way to spray a clear sealer fast.
- Deck Stain Pads Best option for vertical rails and siding.
- Floor Soft Bristle Brush Easiest option for floors and horizontals.
- Brushes Can be messy if the sealer is thin in consistency.
- Rollers Clear sealers can splatter when applied.
How to Apply a Semi-Transparent Wood Stain
Transparent and semi-transparent sealers are relatively easy to apply, but they can vary depending on the brand. Some brands are thicker than others. The thicker the stain, the less chance you will be able to use a pump sprayer and may need to use a roller over a floor brush.
- Pump up Sprayer Best way to spray a semi-transparent stain fast. Always back wipe drips and runs to ensure it is applied evenly.
- Professional Airless Paint Sprayer Very easy to apply but watch overspray.
- Deck Stain Pads Best option for vertical rails and siding.
- Floor Soft Bristle Brush Easiest option for floors and horizontals.
- Brushes Can be drippy if the stain is thin in consistency.
- Rollers Semi-transparent stains can splatter when applied.
How to Apply a Semi-Solid Deck Stain
Semi-solid deck Stains are much thicker and can hide the wood grain. Application varies based on if oil-based or water-based and how thick the viscosity of the stain.
- Professional Airless Paint Sprayer Best options for fast application.
- Floor Soft Bristle Brush Easiest option for floors if oil-based. Will not work well for water-based semi-solid stains.
- Brushes Best option for vertical rails and siding.
- Rollers Used for deck flooring and horizontals.
How to Apply an Opaque Solid Color Deck Stain Easily
-Solid color deck stains can only be applied with the tools below.
- Professional Airless Paint Sprayer Best options for fast application.
- Brushes Used for vertical rails and siding.
- Rollers Used for deck flooring and horizontals.
More Info on the Easiest Way to Stain a Deck
- Deck Staining Tips
- Best Deck Stain Applicators
- How To Stain a Deck
- How to Stain a Deck Fast!
- How Long Does it Take To Stain a Deck?
- How Often Should You Stain Your Deck?
