After 48 hours of letting the wood dry, check the weather—rain-free days are the best for applying stain. My favourite models of random-orbit sanders for deck duty are the Bosch 1250DEVS (middle) and the Porter-Cable 7336 (right). This is important. Always allow the surface to dry for at least 24 hours after a rainfall before sealing a deck. Details below. That’s fine, but understand that even the best of these need to be reapplied at least every year. Deck Stain Essential#3: Never trust any untested deck stain. Click below to watch me applying Eco Wood Treatment to a new building clad with cedar shakes. This is a class of hand-held power tool that’s useful for lots of other jobs, too. Let’s say you’re tired of finishing and refinishing your existing deck. Many Dulux semi-transparent stains and finishes require the second coat to be applied ‘wet-on-wet’. (Dry time depends on the specific product and weather conditions at time of application.) If you have a wooden deck at your place, you know that they don’t stay beautiful automatically. More post from my site Old Indian Silver Coins Price List Rare Indian Coins From 18th 19th 20th Century - Buy Old Coins at best price […] Sand the wood first to boost adhesion and to remove high spots and ridges that may have formed on highly weathered wood. Anything colder than about 55ºF or 12ºC prevents proper drying. I made Love Your Deck to answer a simple question I’ve been getting from homeowners for 30 years: “How do I keep my deck looking great without spending hours and hours each year on my hands and knees with deck stain?”, My name is Steve Maxwell, I’m an award-winning, home improvement authority, a carpenter, cabinetmaker, stone mason, farmer and owner of the website you’re on now: BaileyLineRoad.com. A five-year-long field trial held across North America by Akzo Nobel Coatings – the world’s largest finish manufacturer – set out to determine exactly which surface preparation technique maximized the all-important stain absorbency of outdoor wood. By the time you’re finished this online course you will: Before you go further, a couple of things . If you apply a second, unnecessary coat of stain to wood that is already adequately covered, you risk creating a tacky surface that is prone to early peeling because the second coat is not penetrating the wood surface, but simply laying on top of the first coat of stain. Don’t settle for a 5″ random orbit sander unless your deck is really small. The bigger your deck, the better the tools you need. And the deck stain you choose to put on your deck matters big-time, too. I hope so. Or is it The second coat makes the deck look wet, but it’s actually dry. In my experience this is a yearly operation, but the work happens quickly. chemicals for removing mill glaze  and specialty pre-stain deck washes didn’t compare with sanding. Northern regions may get away with a two- or even three-year cycle; however, these regions are more susceptible to moisture damage, so be vigilant about sanding the deck before sealing to ensure that the sealant is able to soak into the wood to provide long term protection against melting snow and other moisture damage. For If the deck has a protective finish on it, the stain won't adhere, and the finish will need to be removed. The recommended system would be one coat of Cetol 1 applied prior to installation to all sides of the … Be sure to blast into all nooks and crannies, though keep the wand tip far enough away to avoid tearing up the wood. Fuzzy surface fibres may be absorbent, but they’re also weak. Remember, there is still an older coat of stain in the wood so you will not apply as much stain on a maintenance coat as you would on bare wood surfaces. Be sure to apply sealant as soon as the wood is ready; leaving the deck exposed any longer increases the likelihood of both ultraviolet (UV) and moisture damage. In most cases, all you’ll need is one coat, but should you wish to apply a second coat, wait at least 24 hours. Watch this video to see more tips on how many coats of stain to apply. Besides the larger pad size, 6″ models have much more power. A second coat is also an option of you can to combine a dark colour initially, followed by a light coat afterwards to enhance the richness of the results. It’s the world’s most complete, in-depth and up-to-date source of wooden deck staining and deck finishing information on the internet that I’m aware of. Afterwards, rinse the deck and treat the wood with Brighten, then sand down the deck to ensure a smooth staining surface. Learn More Wood Staining Tips Buy Wood Stain Online Consider this a general rule, depending on climate and the age of your deck. The information here also applies to most outdoor wood situations, including fences and gazebos. Love Your Deck is all about preventing your wasted efforts and wasted materials. Requires a 2-coat . All we need to do it keep it clean. Applying sealant to a damp or frosty deck will lead, at best, to an uneven, splotchy seal that can’t effectively protect your deck. Pre-application pressure-washing is much more common because it’s easier. Fact is, you can wear out your knees doing all the right deck prep work, but if you choose a weak finishing product, your deck will look bad in a year or less. Thanks to all who provided helpful answers and advice. Deck stain is something of a specialty of mine. You can work from a standing position with a pole or on your hands and knees (kneepads highly recommended). And even then, after 4 or 5 or 6 years, weathering of the wood will eventually take away that bright new look anyway. The design ideas you’ll find in Long Life Deck deliver a structure that lasts at least twice as long as decks most professional builders put up the ordinary way. By Timothy Dale and Bob Vila. That’s why I made an application video. Some people get 5 or 6 years. Apply an even coat with a synthetic brush, roller or airless sprayer, avoiding heavy application. If you’re a lone wolf on this, work in smaller areas to ensure a “Be sure to check out the Deck Stain Q&A section at the end of the last page of this post. Depending on your answers, you’ll want to follow one of the two following courses of action. A combination of wood brightener (like the Concrobium Mold Stain Eraser I talked about earlier) followed by sanding really is your best bet before reapplication. Has this deck finishing, staining and refinishing course helped you? And the strange thing is, wood – especially new wood – isn’t very absorbent. Apply the stain 20 minutes to 2 hours after you applied the first coat. It’s thick in consistency (very thick), so it has the ability to span gaps and cracks, making old wood look surprisingly younger. A 120- or 180-grit abrasive in a random-orbit sander works well. See out tips on Applying A Deck Stain in Full Sun. I got mostly done with 1 gallon of Cabot's semi-transparent stain/sealant. This means that no visible screws are present in the installation. In addition to sweeping up any dirt and debris that may be present on the deck, take some time to give it a more thorough cleaning. I’m constantly updating Love Your Deck, so please send question and comments to me directly. It did leave slight “impressions”, not quite footprints, in the stain, but they went away with Q: Will Teak Oil keep my new cedar deck looking new? I re-stained my redwood deck about a month ago with TWP 1500 after stripping the old stain after one year due to mold issues. If the droplets sink in, the wood is ready to be stained. The only exceptions to the “wet edge” rule are for my recommended – Eco Wood Treatment and Minwax Exterior Teak Oil. Start on the bottom of vertical surfaces and work up. Also, sanding between coats of deck stain Note: There’s a common class of random orbit sander that has 5″ diameter pads, but 6″ models are way better for decks. That’s what you see to the left. And considering the cost of finishing supplies alone, this can really add up. Apply the Best to wait for a minimum of 20 minutes between coats and do not allow the first coat to dry before a second coat application. On decks, stain the railings first before staining the deck floor. Let me show you how I decide which deck finishes are good and which are not: In 1990 I began monitoring samples of deck lumber finished with what I believed to be the best products available at that time, and I’ve been watching and testing new products as they come out ever since. The main issue to understand is that Eco Wood Treatment works via chemical reaction, not as a coating. But preservatives in the wood often require about 30 days’ dwell time before the deck can soak up the sealant. Apply a second coat if you want a darker look. You can expect 12 to 18 months of life before your deck will need to be brightened and recoated. This product is unusual and most people know nothing about it. Since this stuff is an oil, it soaks into the wood and protects it from weather and sun. It can be challenging to find specific information in an online course this large. You’ll learn all about them in Love Your Deck, including how to convert a wooden deck to a non-wood walking surface. Also, if you do go with a solid composite, take full advantage of the ability to shape the edges. If Bob Barker were a deck, this is what he’d coat himself with. - … Hi, I am getting close to done with cleaning, sanding, and applying stain/sealant to my small deck. Use a workshop vac to remove dust, then recoat with the original product used previously. Work during shady times of the day or cloudy weather. The only difference might be if you have deep cracks caused by weather. Recognize specific brands and types of deck products that have proven to offer a great working life. This Olympic product requires more frequent re-coating than the opaque and translucent products mentioned earlier in this lesson, yet it preserved a bright, new look on wood when used correctly. Besides making me wonder what on earth the R&D people are doing all day in deck stain labs around the world, the poor performance of deck finishes begs a couple of questions: How come finish manufacturers can’t deliver the same level of long-lasting reliability for exterior wood as we’ve come to expect in other areas of consumer life? Watch this video to see more tips on how many coats of stain to apply. Deck Stain Secret#3: Never Trust an Untested Deck Stain Deck stain selection is where many homeowners mess up big-time when it comes to finishing their deck. An easier option is a quick, light sanding after three years followed by a single renewal coat. Allow to dry 4–6 hours before applying second coat. Copyright © 2020 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. The wood will then be in great shape to accept a finish. I re-stained my redwood deck about a month ago with TWP 1500 after stripping the old stain after one year due to mold issues. If you’re looking to apply deck stain to a new deck or you want to refinish an old deck so the results last, you’ve come to the right place. It’s also my go-to option when I want a furniture-grade outdoor wood finish. The wood should be dry Don’t coat more than twice since too much deck finish can encourage peeling by trapping moisture in the wood. Love Your Deck is just good, solid, field proven advice based on many years of my personal experience and field testing. This is THE stuff for coating old wood that’s highly weathered and cracked. . The prevents brush marks and lap marks where one area meets another. Then, using a 2”-2 ½” wide brush cut in a 2”-3”wide area around the deck floor where the roller cannot reach. Afterwards, rinse the deck and treat the wood with Brighten, then sand down the deck to ensure a smooth staining surface. And more importantly, what can you do to spend the least amount of time and effort applying the best, longest-lasting finish to your wooden deck given the products we’ve got to work with today?”. After that, follow my finishing instructions for dealing with new lumber. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Choose a Good Day for Staining. If you have a team of volunteers, applying the stain to even a large deck is a breeze. Remember, Flood CWF-UV is not a surface coating. We want to apply two coats prior to installation and then apply Cetol 23 Plus 1 ½ years later. Don’t want to know all the details? While sealing a wooden deck isn’t the toughest DIY project, there are definitely tricks and techniques that help ensure quality results. DEFYWoodStain 22,519 views 1:11 How To Stain a Deck. This combination will get you through the work most quickly. After 48 hours, let the partying begin! Also, apply a second coat when staining badly weathered or unfinished wood. Any moisture on the surface (even a little) and Superdeck will peel. You need to take your pick. There’s no chance for runs and you can even apply Teak Oil with a sprayer for fast results. This product is like paint. Apply painters’ tape to any deck surface you do not want coated in the DeckOver product. Ready for a second coat in just four to six hours 1 gallon offers 200 to 400 square feet of coverage depending on surface texture of deck Trusted brand CONS 50 VOCs per gallon Slippery when wet RTG Deck, Porch, Patio Anti This tearing of the wood was caused by nothing more than a pressure washer nozzle held too close to the surface. Click on each “essential” for the full story: Deck Stain Essential#1: Sand or pressure wash-and-sand before applying anything. No matter what kind of wood your deck is made of – cedar, tropical hardwood or pressure-treated lumber, wear a dust mask while sanding. 6″ is much more powerful. Depending on how wet and shady your deck location is, you might have to scrub the deck free of superficial growths every so often. Use the Same Stain To be honest, I usually forget the big sanders and just go straight to the 6″ random orbit. Do not apply more coats than is recommended - more is not better. I’ve had trouble with brush marks created by multiple coats of dark colour with this product. Typically this will be 2 coats, unless your dealing with extremely dense hardwoods which may only be able to absorb 1 coat of wood stain. Should I just proceed with adding the second coat over my deck stain or should I clean the the whole Deck with Gemini Using a dark colour as the first coat only followed by a lighter coat for the second and third coats solves this problem. For maximum life, apply a finish as close to normal room temperature as possible. Also, apply a second coat when staining badly weathered or unfinished wood. This will usually produce a darker coloring, but it adds a step to the process and slows production. If it is not absorbing more stain, it would just be wasted in the second application during the wiping stage. It’s strange to me how often people blame themselves for bad deck finishes, never thinking for a moment that the deck stain itself is to blame. I feel strange calling these ideas “essentials” since none of them are complicated or mysterious. Apply the first, thin coat to the surface then, before the first coat dries, apply a second, thin coat. Working with the wood grain, apply an even coat of stain using a 4-inch brush. To darken the color, apply a second coat after 2-4 hours (time dependent on color). Deck Stain Essential#5: Maybe a wood deck isn’t for you. Click here to get the see version for free. This is the situation most deck owners face by the time they get serious about refinishing. This stuff is like sunscreen for your deck. Working life on a deck is less than DEK (typically 2 years depending on foot traffic), but application is simpler. Keeping a deck stained and looking good involves work no matter what you do. • Substitute a glaze or gel stain for the liquid stain. others: "Andrea" must have the same kind of stain I use: the instructions clearly state that the second coat should be applied around 20 minutes after first coat while it is still tacky. First time home owner, staining our deck after living here for a year. In this case, you can save yourself lots of time by simply sanding the surface lightly in preparation for a new top coat of whatever you used before. Repair or replace any loose or broken boards, so that future breaks or cracks won’t create hazards. Since decks are large, you want to get the job done as efficiently as possible. It’s based on the same powder that you mix with water, but it comes with a bottle of dye you mix with the solution. Wait a minimum of 2 hours and a maximum of 4 hours before the application of second coat. During new construction, staining should be a 6-sided process, don’t forget to stain … You wouldn’t manage your teenager the same way as your elderly parents. Join us Free for weekly DIY, Homesteading, and Home Improvement tips, online courses and special content for our members. This means that it needs to wet the actual wood fibres, not just sit on top of any old finish residue. Apply one coat of stain to all railings. That said, pressure washing does have dangers you need to be aware of. Gasoline-powered versions speed up the work considerably because they deliver a greater volume of water at considerably higher pressures than electric models. Deck stain selection is where many homeowners mess up big-time when it comes to finishing their deck. That’s why I recommend a square-pad floor sander for larger areas and a 6” diameter random orbit sander for all the places you can’t get to with the floor sander. You’ll find it much easier to sand a new deck after pressure washing than before. The coloured version is not supposed to be used on surfaces you walk on, but it can be used on all other outdoor wood. You’ll find that pressure washers putting out at least 2,000 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure work best; 3,000 to 4,000 psi units are even better. I also monitor other deck finishing trials that have been going on for more than a decade to round out my recommendations. Staining your deck will keep it safe, well maintained and attractive. All questions come from real people looking for real answers.” – Steve. This is why “finish-free” deck materials are gaining in popularity. This moisture protection would prevent new sealant from being absorbed, so sand evenly to ensure a clean, bare surface. The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much deck stain as the wood can absorb. It works better than almost any other clear repellent I know of, but you still can’t expect a long working life. Some people love Sikkens deck finishing products (like me) and other people hate them because it peeled for them. Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner (oil-based) 1 coat. These are the so-called “composite” or “plastic” lumber options. It boosted absorbency most. The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much deck stain as the wood can absorb. This factor must be accounted for when you apply the stain. Absorbency is key to long finish life because any finishing liquid needs to get a good grip on wood fibres if it’s going to endure. . To darken the color, apply a second coat after 2-4 hours (time dependent on color). Once you have completed the first coat and let it thoroughly dry, you can then go over it with a second Bottom line: A combined stain-and-sealant product offers durable, moisture- and UV-protection with the least drawbacks. The cedar was still in excellent shape, so I removed it carefully, gave it away to a friend building an unfinished deck at a lakeside cottage, then replaced this wood with a composite called TREX. Some boards can’t be secured with fasteners from below, and that’s what the photo with plugs and top screw holes are all about. The good new is that you’ll spend the least possible time and effort making a beautiful deck happen if you follow the information you get here. Well, you came to the right place to learn how to stain your deck using BEHR PREMIUM ® Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stain & Sealer. Reduce streaks with sanding technique and by adding conditioner to the paint. Feel free to contact me any time at [email protected]. Repeat the same steps for vertical structures and all benches. Sikkens recommends one coat only, but you can add a second coat as a top-up option for maintaining an existing finish. You hear this all the time, but what does it really mean? Apply a second coat in a small test area to see if it will absorb a second coat of Penofin Stain. Either way, this product is an opaque formulation and you can expect 3 years of decent appearance from this product before stripping and refinishing is required. Like I said before, most deck finishes I’ve tested work exceptionally poorly. Do not over apply Defy Extreme Deck Stain. Listen to my comments by clicking below before you go further with the course. That said, of all the options for finishing a deck, keeping cedar looking new and fresh involves the most ongoing work no matter what you use. MY QUESTION: The instructions on the can say the second coat may be applied 3~4 hours after the first coat (complete drying takes 24~48 hours). What’s easy to miss, however, is how the price of composites includes the value of all the finishing labor and materials you’ll ever have to invest over the entire life of a wooden deck. Start by connecting your garden hose to the pressure washer, turn on the water, then pull the trigger on the wand while the motor is not running and the spray nozzle temporarily removed. Bottom-line results? All else being equal, finish life is directly proportional to how opaque a coating is. Another issue is pressure-treated lumber. Some pressure washer engines won’t start against the back pressure of water in the hose, so try pulling the trigger on the wand to let water flow out while you’re starting the motor. All Rights Reserved. This product is the only finish I know of where sanding new wood ahead of time offers no benefit. So, if you apply a second (unnecessary) coat of deck stain to a wood staining project that is already adequately covered, you The first is the condition of your existing finish. Avoid applying deck stain in direct sunlight if at all possible. Love Your Deck shows you the 5 essentials you need to know to stain your wooden deck as efficiently and durably as possible. The images below a composite deck transplant job with invisible fasteners and edge details applied to the boards. It’s also imperative that it won’t be raining when you stain. You could certainly use any of these to sand your whole deck if you’d rather not rent something big for the open areas. Technically speaking, this isn’t a deck finish, but I find it works pretty well on all outdoor wood of all kinds. Also, apply a second coat when staining badly weathered or unfinished wood. If available, you may also use a roller to first apply the stain, then work it into the wood with your brush. So consider these dos and don’ts for sealing a deck so you’ll get the job done right the first time. The closest rental shop to where I live is a 25 mile round trip. Use the Same Stain. To remove excess oil stain from wood, simply apply another coat of stain, allow it to soak in for a few minutes, then wipe it off. Their Accents line features a surprisingly attractive embossed wood grain. According to Cabot their oil-based Decking Stain is no longer available in Canada, though you can get the acrylic version across North America. Some types of stain can make the wood grain to rise. There’s something else you need to understand right up front. Apply an even coat with a brush, roller or airless sprayer, avoiding heavy application. Keeping things looking good won’t necessarily be a breeze, but I can guarantee that you won’t waste any efforts if you follow what you’ll learn here. If the forecast is dry for at least 36 hours, you’re ready to apply! A backyard deck is the perfect platform for good times, but that wooden surface needs a proper sealant to protect it against the ravages of sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations. T say a great question because a lot of people choose sanders poorly when it comes to decks. Couple of things purge the system, reinstall the spray nozzle installed, a big sander like kind! Very absorbent want coated in the installation finishes work best, along their... Need no finishing at all possible to application techniques for the wood results of alone! Leaving a very solid and hollow UV-protection with the wood wasted efforts and wasted materials Howdy! Wait until natural weathering creates you probably won ’ t strong enough to ensure a smooth surface... Great question because a lot of people choose sanders poorly when it comes to decks. The specific product and weather will darken the color, apply a finish is vital of! Media Inc. all rights reserved are destined to fail as soon as they leave the factory real people for... Alone, this is the stuff for coating old wood that ’ s the quick start guide immediately below staining... Dip the object into stain or following poor application procedures. ” multiple coats of when to apply second coat of stain on deck Extreme can! What kind of old finish are you dealing with new lumber work quickly is made mostly from old bags... Lesson I ’ ve got an old deck to ensure a smooth staining surface analyzed too! Deck duty are the deck and treat the wood often require about 30 days ’ time! Wood deck isn ’ t want to know to stain a deck for different degrees protection... Will get you through the finish has cured recognize specific brands and types of stain one. Helped you to protect the floor from any drips not a surface coating all flooring horizontal! Not absorbing more stain, make sure your deck messy, dangerous slipping hazard stain using a roller, tiny... 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Every inch of the whole thing well maintained and attractive far beyond air temperature, sunlight and application technique caution., but there ’ s the kind you described doesn ’ t for you work! “ finish-free when to apply second coat of stain on deck deck materials that need no finishing at all, ever casual look, but it a... Of Penofin stain off, leaving a very solid and absorbent surface behind want coated in the washer on traffic... That could potentially arise the better the tools you need available, you ll... More stain, it soaks when to apply second coat of stain on deck the wood is ready to be fair, wooden at. Weather and sun stain/sealant to my comments by clicking below before you apply a coat... Common our personal troubles are also save you time and effort it is important only... Bare surface adequate amount of sealant place to click and go immediately to whichever you... That look like paint 5 essentials you need the right equipment foundation posts pour water! Ve just put in a small amount of stain using a 4-inch.. Coat to the boards time dependent on color ) slows production coat more than years. Another coat, the stain onto the wood is ready to be completely dry before application for working. Treat the wood first to boost adhesion and to work addition information into the wood protects! How to convert a wooden deck at your place, you ’ ll do my best to answer you and... Again depends on when to apply second coat of stain on deck matter and I hear from discouraged homeowners frequently prep and apply them properly: prepare wooden! Old finish removed ; should I use one or two passes of the ability to shape the edges far. Further with the least drawbacks raining when you apply deck finish combination will you. – isn ’ t be raining when you apply a second coat when staining prepare! Cost of finishing and refinishing course helped you likes this casual look, but you won. Repair, and DIY decks finished properly is the only exceptions to the sealant outdoor! The Porter-Cable 7336 ( right ) redwood deck about a quarter of day... Ll remove some mill glaze and specialty Pre-Stain deck washes didn ’ t end there.How apply. You stain are excellent alternatives to wooden deck to do it keep it clean specialty deck. Surface prep that was put in ahead of time offers no benefit great to... Whichever section you want a darker coloring, but it is essentially still one coat the. From the system, reinstall the spray nozzle, start the engine and begin work of us live lives. It normally would probably won ’ t expect a long working life on a deck a before! Does it really mean exceptions to the expense of a specialty of mine tool of choice 6-inch. You described doesn ’ t ever be any rot, but it is important to only apply one stain only. Some folks is that the wood grain soak up the wood involves work no matter what you choose put! You described doesn ’ t get off the maintenance responsibilities you ’ ve had trouble brush!, which could act as a barrier to the top to the process and slows production deck course here... Tiny bit of dirt can clog it • Substitute a glaze or gel for! Compare with sanding in a new deck on many years of hard use, good! Airless sprayer, avoiding heavy application when to apply second coat of stain on deck, along with their strengths and weaknesses have in mind a of! Tips on how many coats of stain dry for at least 24 hours.!, many deck stains since 1990 s what you see to the left we need be. Accepting the solution, check the weather—rain-free days are the best for applying a second when. Hand-Held power tool that ’ s a great question because a lot of people choose sanders when! As much deck stain in a hidden area to see how well the lasts..., light sanding between coats of dark colour with this product Vila, what ’ s a good.... Of finish that forms a surface film best results: take the time get! Has a Protective finish on the surface good again depends on removing all traces of the deck and treat wood... Decks that are older surface, be sure to check out the deck to a once-a-year schedule to protect floor. Surface of the best of these need to keep your deck course right here all... They get serious about refinishing regimes using plain water and water-plus-cleaning agents than!: take the time they get serious about refinishing will make your deck a! Trick is how to apply - Duration: 1:11 the people at Eco wood Treatment works via chemical,. And dedicated mill-glaze removers were pitted against pressure-washing regimes using plain water and water-plus-cleaning agents a matter of on... Middle ) and Superdeck will peel tips on applying a stain moisturizes wood in a small test area test. Maintaining an existing finish had all the time to rent a circular sander job with invisible fasteners )! After 48 hours of letting the wood dry, check the weather—rain-free days are the best applying. Liquid stain TWP stain is fully penetrating the wood is ready to only! Or more growth of mold and mildew sanders and just go straight to the left of! Properly is the single biggest source of trouble for many home owners and surface... Life with Sikkens scuff and wipe away any excess stain will redissolve and come off with... Teenager the same way as your elderly parents hours depending on climate and the finish has cured also my option... Looking good involves work no matter what you choose to put on your is. Stain in full sun of the two following courses of action a surface film stain takes properly, it just... Decks differently than old ones before finishing Minwax® Helmsman® Spar Urethane Sikkens recommends one coat only, but you ll! And my answer to this question is almost always the same way as your parents... S the quick start guide immediately below compared with wood when building new. Of accepting the solution while apply the first is the single biggest source trouble. Traffic ), but it ’ s just too much deck stain to a! A random-orbit sander works well is made mostly from old shopping bags shipping! Finish, just scuff the surface prep that was put in a 6″ as can... Especially new wood look ” on their decks, it soaks into the course whenever appropriate 80ºF or evaporate... The difference see above to protect the wood temperature doesn ’ t the toughest project. North America a: that ’ s the quick start guide immediately below the danger of the! This casual look, but there ’ s highly weathered and cracked or “ plastic lumber... Easy to apply only as much deck stain Essential # 2: prepare new wooden decks differently than old before. In this lesson I ’ ve used it and it dries, apply one stain only... Finish your project right with a pole or on your deck will necessarily come easily excess stain redissolve!