A very common maintenance activity for anybody with a deck is to perform deck staining and sand the wooden deck. This actually seals the wooden deck, preventing moisture from see pinining into the fibers of the deck and rotting it out. The stain also aids to protect the wooden deck from direct sun and winter weather conditions, which would otherwise damage the wood, leading to cracking and fading. However, there are several mistakes that homeowners make when they stain their deck, such as over staining. The wrong color can cause serious problems. Here is a guide to tell if you are doing the right thing.
You may be wondering how to stain a deck, when you realize that the deck was never properly sanded or finished in the first place. If you have never finished the surface, make sure to finish it so that it looks great now. Finish off the surface by sanding it down to an angle of about forty-five degrees, and then applying the stain. Sanding it down afterwards will ensure that you get all the rough spots, and this will also ensure that the stain does not run.
Some people like to skip the sanding, and go straight for the stain. This is actually a mistake, and you will end up regretting it. You can easily ruin the look of your deck by putting on too much stain, especially if it is colored stain. You could end up having a deck that is cracked, instead of a smooth finish. This is why it is best to always start with a properly finished surface, so that you know what to expect from the beginning.
Some people like to use a brush to apply the stains and finishes, instead of a sander. This may work better if you are going to be painting an area that is very large, or if you are going to be using a lot of color. Be careful not to apply too much pressure when using a brush though. If the bare wood underneath is showing, you will need to sand it down before you can finish the paint on the surface.
When choosing an outdoor wood stain, be sure to get one that has a high level of absorbency. A high level of absorbency will allow the stain to stay on the surface longer and to do a good job of sealing the surface as well. The more absorbency, the better job the finish will do. However, there are some outdoor wood finishes that do not contain any form of stain at all. These finishes will be much lower in stain strength, but they will also stand up to the weather much better.
When choosing an outdoor wood stain for your wooden deck, be sure to choose something that is waterproof. Some types of stain will only provide a waterproof seal, while others will actually seal the pores of the wood while also providing a protective layer against moisture. Using a stain with a porous base is especially good if you plan to use a paint over it. Porous stains will not dry out or crack after being exposed to rain or moisture, giving you the protection you need without having to worry about it.