To avoid âlap marksâ make sure that the leading edge is kept wet and that wet stain is brushed into wet stain. Apply the finish to 10 to 15 square feet of boards at a time, then ⦠Even if you decide not to stain your deck, you should always apply some kind of sealer to keep it protected from the elements. When in doubt, follow the instructions written on the container. Applying the sealer with a brush gives you the greatest control for the most even application and will ensure that you get the sealer not only on the deck boards but in ⦠DO NOT APPLY 2 COATS. Coat 3 â Thin 10%. SEAL-ONCE® MARINE Premium Waterproofing Wood Sealer & Stain is designed to protect & stabilize marine wood against water damage, salt water spray & decay. Are More Coats Better? Working with the wood grain, apply an even coat of stain using a 4-inch brush. This is the sealer coat. Unlike many top-coat sealers on the market today, it penetrates wood below the surface, coating the wood fibers at the cellular level, which creates a long-lasting, flexible, breathable barrier. How many coats are required? For composite deckingâthatâs decking made from recycled plastic materials and woodâfollow the manufacturerâs recommendations. Many homeowners and even some professional paint contractors incorrectly believe âmore is better.â In order for an oil-based stain to be effective, it must be able to penetrate the woodâs surface. Stain the pressure-treated wood using a paint pad applicator, which is easier than brushing a large deck or structure by hand and more accurate than using a pressurized sprayer. Deck Defense is designed as a one-coat stain, although due to the deep penetrating properties of the product, it may appear lighter than expected. Clean with a deck cleaner and sand the surface to remove any loose wood fibres and contamination; ensure that the new coating soaks in evenly. Apply over coat 2 without sanding. If the droplets sink in, the wood is ready to be stained. Seal or Stain the Deck Boards . He applied two coats of (a brand of) clear sealer. Step 8 Wipe the deck with a dry towel after the second coat, cleaning up any puddles. Apply to small sections at a time (1â3 boards); start at one edge of the board and work end-to-end, following through to the end of the boards to avoid lap marks. Let dry 24 hours. Coat 4 â Sand coat 3 lightly with 220-grit paper. There are several techniques you can use to apply a deck sealer. But the instructions clearly state, "Apply one coat only." A protective polyurethane topcoat is a great way to seal your wooden deck and increase its longevity. If project requires more than 1 container, blend all containers together to ensure uniformity. Many parts of the deck are still tacky. Usually no more than one coat is needed. If available, you may also use a roller to first apply the stain, then work it into the wood with your brush. HOW MANY COATS OF STAIN SHOULD I APPLY? Do not sand sealer coat before applying coat 2. A major source of problems for deck finishes is the over-application of the coating. Otherwise, you risk having your deck rot out within the first couple of years. Sprinkle some water on the deck. Pick the finish that you want and apply accordingly. A one-coat application is recommended. That depends upon what type of stain you are using. Strip off any old stain that may be on the wood. Use a paintbrush to stain between cracks and problem areas. This is especially true on older surfaces that have been exposed for long periods of time. Coat 1 â Thin about 50% with the specified thinner. Coat 2 â Thin 20% with specified thinner. Before applying stain, make sure your deck has been cleaned properly. Expect the butted ends of lumber to accept more stain. 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