Deck Stains: Effective Protection for Your Deck
 You can make your deck look great and attractive by applying deck stain on
it. Not only are you making your deck look aesthetically appealing by staining
it, you are also ensuring that your deck is well protected from the harsh
elements and wear and tear.
Although most modern day decks are constructed using pressure treated wood that
is water resistant, that’s not entirely sufficient to ensure your deck remains
safe from the elements. Deck staining will help to prevent it from cracking,
splintering and becoming discolored due to exposure to wind, rain and snow.
Staining will also ensure that just incase your child drops a particularly messy
ice cream on your deck, it will be easy to clean it up.
Basic Requisite
Deck staining is not overly hard work but perfection in your task will depend on
the proper use of the materials. There are a few requisites that will help you
out in this process and they are: deck cleaning solution, sprayer, deck sealant
or stain, garden hose, rags, natural-bristle brush and plastic drop cloths.
There are a few steps you’ll need to follow when you set out to stain the deck
and if you do this correctly, your deck will be protected from deterioration and
harsh weather conditions for about two years.
Deck Staining Instructions
Before starting, remove or cover delicate plants that might be in the area. Wash
the deck with a hose and then clean it with a deck cleaning solution by applying
the solution evenly to the top of the deck. After about ten minutes or so, wash
off the cleaner with a garden hose. Allow the deck to fully dry.
When the deck is completely dry, apply the deck stain or deck sealant. There are
many different kinds of deck stains and sealants. They range from solid colors
to fully transparent ones so take some time to choose the deck stain or sealant
you like best for your deck.
Choose a quality brush made from natural bristles (not synthetics). Avoid direct
sunlight when applying the deck stain. Apply the finish in small areas at a time
and always with the grain of the wood. Ensure maximum penetration of the stain
into the wood by applying thin coatings of the deck. Use a rag to remove excess
stain. Once this process is complete, apply more deck stain to the end of the
wood planks as well as on areas that receive high foot traffic. Apply a second
coating as needed. |
