Categories
Home Renovations

How to Stain a Deck like a Professional?

Decks are exposed to the harsh climatic conditions like heavy rains, winds, and sunlight. UV rays penetrate through the wood and damage the inner layers. So to protect the wood from damaging staining process is conducted. By staining the original beauty of the deck can be restored.

Follow These 7 Simple Steps for Staining a Deck in your House.

1. Examine the Current Condition of the Wood:

Before you start the process, check if the wood can absorb the stain or not. Conduct a simple water testing. Sprinkle water on the deck; if the wood absorbs the liquid, then the deck can be stained. If the deck does not absorb the water, then there is no need for staining at present.

2. Prepare the Deck :

After the testing process, now make sure that the deck is clean and dry. Stain applied to the wet surfaces does not go well, and cracks can form in the future. The surface of the deck should be free of dirt and debris. Clean and rinse the wood surface with water and let it dry for 2-3 days.

3. Choose the Right Stain for the Deck :

There is a full range of stains with different colors available. Choose the best from the available stains. Types of stains available for your decks

  • Wood Toned and Clear Stain
  • Semi-Transparent
  • Semi-Solid
  • Solid Stain

If you need clear and transparent view use Clear or Semi-Transparent Stains. If you need a rich and vibrant finish, then you can go for the Solid stain colors. In transparent and semi-transparent stains the grains and texture can be seen. In solid stains, the stain completely hides the wood grain while allowing very little of the wood texture to show through.

4. Have a Plan for Staining :

Always determine the starting and ending points of the staining process. Be sure that you can quickly enter and exit from the deck during the staining process. Be sure that you are not stuck in a corner while the other parts of the deck are drying.

5. Protect the walls :

Decks are attached to the exterior walls. So staining process can be complicated without touching the edges of the walls. To ensure that walls do not get stained, protect the walls with painters tape. Attach the tape to the places where the decks and walls meet.

6. Add Stain to the Tray :

Stir the stain in the container using a paint stirrer. Ensure that the stain is mixed well before the stain is applied to the deck. Pour the stain into the paint tray for starting the staining process.

7. Apply the Stain to the Deck using the Paint Pad :

Apply a solid coat of stain to the deck surface using the paint pad. If the paint pad does not cover the inside spaces, then use a paintbrush to complete the staining. Leave the stain to completely dry for 24 hours before placing your furniture on the deck.

Tips for Staining
  • Apply the stain when the temperatures are average and avoid the process in direct sunlight.
  • Do not go for staining if there is rain in the forecast.
  • Before applying the stain, test it on a small area and see if you are satisfied with the color or not.
  • If you are using different colors, ensure that they are mixed well before applying.
Conclusion

Decks are often subjected to lots of pressure and traffic from people. So it’s necessary that they are maintained correctly from time to time. Staining process should be done regularly for the exterior decks. For inspirations, ideas and Professional Painting & Home Improvement Works contact Executive Touch Painters in Toronto or Call at (416) 410-0164 Today.

Categories
Home Renovations

What are the steps to re-coating my deck?

Summertime is about barbeque parties and spending time with friends and family out on the deck. But if your deck is a few years old and it’s been a while since your last maintenance, it might be looking a little – well, sad. Between the cracks, chips and faded colouring, your deck just isn’t the pride and joy that it used to be.

Well, fear not, because as long as there is no serious damage, it is possible to make that old deck like new again.

The first step to re-coating a deck is to scrape off the old finish with. In most cases, the old finish will flake off fairly easily. Whatever does not come off with the scraper will be removed by the deck stripper. Once you have scraped off as much of the old finish as you can inspect the wood to make sure that nothing is rotten. Do not waste your time trying to clean or refinish anything that is rotten. Rotten wood needs to be replaced before you proceed with the rest of the job.

If there is nothing in need of repair, it is time to start using the deck stripper and deck cleaner.

The deck stripper is used first to remove any old finish that could not be flaked off with your paint scraper. And the cleaner is then used to ensure that you are working with a clean surface before applying a new finish.

There are two main types of deck cleaners. One type made either from powdered hydrogen peroxide or liquid oxalic acid is for removing dead wood fibers from the boards. The other type is bleach based and used for removing mildew.

When using cleaners, be sure to cover surrounding plants in order to protect them. Also remember to wear protective clothing yourself such as safety glasses, rubber boots, gloves, and long sleeves to protect your eyes and skin from any spattering stripper or cleaner.

The best time for stripping and cleaning is on cool overcast days. The reason for this is twofold. First of all, refinishing a deck is hard work meaning the hotter and stickier it is outside, the less comfortable you are going to be. Secondly, cleaners evaporate more quickly on hot days meaning you will have to use more and it will take longer.

When stripping, it is a good idea to work in small – about 6 foot – areas at a time. Doing so will make it easier to keep the area wet so the stripper won’t evaporate before you can finish scraping and cleaning it. You will have to take extra care when refinishing vertical surfaces such as railings, as the stripper will run down the side. The stripper should be in contact with the wood surface for about fifteen minutes before you remove it.

Your deck should be allowed to dry for a couple of days before sealer or stain is applied. Know more about how to stain a deck.

A semitransparent oil stain is the most recommended for railings because solid color stains are heavily pigmented, making your next refinishing job more difficult. Stain is not recommended on deck boards because it will show wear more quickly.

Finally, with your like-new deck, there is nothing to do but show off to your neighbors, invite your friends over for some summer beverages and enjoy your beautiful deck.