Better Preparation equals Better Results
The ideal wood finish should provide an attractive appearance and protect the surface until the next maintenance coat is due. However, products that are improperly applied or have low performance may darken prematurely. Oil-based finishes, in particular, have a tendency to collect surface pollutants and foster the growth of mold and mildew as they age. Moreover, some finishes may appear fine initially but can ultimately peel due to trapped moisture. Coating products are especially challenging to maintain as they often require chemical stripping and pressure washing prior to reapplication.
Quality deck stains typically provide a breathable finish, allowing natural expansion and contraction of the wood.
Living Breathing Protecting
The effectiveness of a Deck Stain depends on the preparation and application process. Preparing the wood correctly increases its porosity, allowing it to absorb more of the stain. Better absorption results in longer-lasting protection for the wood while maintaining an appealing appearance. To ensure optimal results, it is essential to follow specific steps before and during the application of a deck stain. Each skipped step could mean the difference between a successful application and the eventual failure of the product. To minimize future maintenance and maximize the application’s effectiveness, it’s crucial to carefully follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and preparing the wood surface.
The initial application process is closely tied to future maintenance.
Routine Maintenance
A single maintenance coat can often restore the finish when the product begins to fade. Horizontal surfaces typically require maintenance every 12-18 months, while vertical surfaces can go 3-5 years. To determine if the surface is ready to absorb the stain, perform a water test. Cleaning the wood of dirt and dust can usually be done with a garden hose, but for graying or mildew, an oxygenated bleach solution may be needed. After the wood has dried, apply one thorough coat of deck stain to restore color and water repellency, using about half of the original amount used. It’s normal for the color of the maintenance coat to appear darker and enhance over time due to the aging of exterior wood, but eventually, the finish will lighten. Following these steps can maximize the life of the finish and minimize maintenance.
Expected Performance
Proper preparation of the wood and application conditions play a critical role in the performance of deck stains. To achieve optimal results, it is recommended to clean the wood with oxygenated bleach, followed by pressure washing or brightening, before applying two wet on wet coats of the product, even for new wood.
To achieve the best coating performance, it is advisable to clean brand new wood with oxygenated bleach and pressure wash it, even if it looks clean.
Deck Maintenance Steps:
Step 1: Perform a Water Test
To check if the deck is ready for maintenance, pour a small amount of water on it. If the water is absorbed within a minute, the wood is porous enough to accept the stain. However, if the water remains on the surface and does not absorb, it means that the current protectant is still working. In such cases, if you want to apply a new stain, you’ll need to remove the old coating first by using a stain stripper.
Step 2: Use a garden hose to rid the deck of dirt and dust. For graying or mildew use an oxygenated bleach solution.
You can mix an Oxygen Bleach concentrate with warm water to clean your exterior deck or fence, which is an effective way to remove surface graying and restore the wood to its natural look. This process can result in a significant improvement in the appearance of your wood. Unlike chlorine bleach-based cleaners, Oxygen Bleach is an environmentally friendly product that is generally biodegradable and safe for wood fibers, pets, grass, and most plants.
Chlorine bleach can be harmful to both the wood and the surrounding vegetation, and it doesn’t effectively clean or remove stains; it merely bleaches them.
deck photo’s Storm here
Step 3: Apply about one-half of the original material used to recoat the deck
To achieve the best performance and reduce the need for frequent maintenance, it is advisable to follow the recommended procedures for cleaning and preparing the wood surface before applying the chosen stain. As a general rule, you will need about half the amount of the original coating material for maintenance purposes on your deck or fence.
Tools Checklist
Some common tools for a deck staining project include:
- Polyester brush, roller, or pump-up sprayer
- Stiff bristle or deck staining brush
- Pressure washer or powerful hose
- Dropcloth and rags for spills
- Sandpaper or deck stripper for removing old stain or finish
- Protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, and a respirator, if using a sprayer or working with chemicals.
Performance Factors
Identifying the most likely causes of product failure is important as there are numerous factors that affect the performance of protective wood finish products. While all products will eventually succumb to the elements, the length of time they protect against weathering, how well they maintain their appearance, and how easily a maintenance coat can be reapplied are factors that set different products apart.
