What type of deck stain to use

Perform this maintenance regularly to keep your deck looking brand new with no other maintenance required for years. Your email address will not be published. We will only send you awesome stuff! Privacy Policy. Your source for the latest products and trends within the architecture, construction, interior design, and building materials industry.

Facebook Youtube Pinterest. Matt Greenfield One Comment. Types of Deck Stains Image Credit — novausawood. Transparent Stains A transparent or clear stain, or water sealer, is exactly what one would assume: a clear stain that allows that natural colors and grain of the untreated wood to show.

Semi-Transparent Stains Semi-transparent stains contain a minimal amount of pigment and will give your deck a light tint of color without hiding the wood grain. Solid Stains Solid stains are fully pigmented stains that sit on top of the deck, covering the grain as if it was painted. Oil-Based Stains Oil-based stains—those that use special oils like linseed, tung and soy in their formulation—are easier to maintain over time.

Epoxy-Fortified Stains A newer kind of deck finish is water-based, epoxy-fortified stain. Maintaining Your Deck Image Credit — novausawood. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Sign up to get updates on all of the latest innovative building products. Get Daily Tips. Read More. What is the Best Shed Base? Contact Us. Discover by Category. Home Improvement.

Only apply as much stain as the wood can easily absorb. Deck stains can be applied in several different ways. Using a pump-up garden sprayer and roller are two popular methods.

Regardless of how you apply your wood stain, keep a paint brush at hand. A paint brush will work the stain deep in to the pores of a board. The agitation and friction caused by a paint brush will cause the wood to absorb more stain. Watch the short video clip below for the best type of brush to use. Step one of this article told you to take your time. When your project is finally done, take a little extra time before you use it. Let your deck dry out well before putting it back in use. The stain needs to cure out before being subjected to the rigors of patio furniture and foot traffic.

A small amount of effort can keep your deck looking great longer. Just as you would wash the dirt off of your car, you should wash down the surface of your deck occasionally to keep leaves and dirt from damaging the finish.

If the deck stain starts to show signs of graying or loses its color, it can be easily cleaned up with a little wood brightener and a light maintenance coat of stain.

Eleven keys to deck staining success. Go ahead and try them and see what the results are when you set out on your next project like a pro. You may just surprise yourself! When using a wood cleaner, you can really speed the process up by using a scrub brush on the horizontal boards.

These brushes can be found in the cleaning section of most home improvement stores. Get the type that can be attached to a four-foot extension pole.

With a scrub brush, cleaning the surface of the deck will be as fast as mopping your floor! When staining the deck rails, take care not to splatter stain on the deck surface below; it will most likely leave unsightly darker spots when you are done. The easiest way to avoid this problem is to cover the deck below the rails as you work. I use the cardboard from the box the stain came in.

This oil-based, semi-transparent stain penetrates the wood for deep protection yet allows the wood grain to show. It contains UV blockers to prevent fading and resists mold and mildew growth.

However, because the product is oil-based, cleanup of tools will require paint thinner or another solvent. One gallon covers up to square feet, and the product comes in a 5-gallon can. This semi-transparent stain is available in a selection of realistic-looking wood tones that impart rich, uniform color while still allowing the natural grain of the wood to show. The product contains ingredients that block harmful UV rays to keep the stain from fading and graying.

It is also designed to last 1 or 2 years longer than other popular deck stain products. Future recoating is also simple: Rather than sanding to remove the prior stain, just apply DEFY Wood Brightener, and then cover with a new coat of stain.

One gallon covers up to square feet with two coats of stain. It is also available in a 5-gallon can. This marine-type deck stain is designed to prevent water damage in areas with high humidity levels around fresh and saltwater.

The product is also low-VOC, making it an eco-friendly choice. This acrylic-based stain is a clear toner, but it also comes in a handful of attractive wood hues.

One gallon covers up to square feet. The high pigment level in this oil-based formula offers superior coverage paired with UV protection to camouflage imperfections. For best results, use a brush to apply this stain. Cabot Deck Stain is available in a handful of rich wood tones to suit most yard designs.

Spending time outdoors is a favorite activity across the nation, and an attractive deck makes it all the more pleasurable. Staining an existing deck will give it a fresh new look, but for newbies to the world of outdoor staining, some questions are to be expected.

Check out some of the most frequently asked queries here. In general, an oil-based deck stain will last the longest, but it also depends on the type of wood, the weather conditions, and how long the deck has gone unprotected before staining. Redwood and cedar colors are two of the most popular hues for deck stains, but other wood-tone colors are just as rich and beautiful.

Semi-transparent stain, which is the most popular opacity level, adds noticeable color to the deck, but the wood grain will still show. A high-quality deck stain can refresh the look of the deck and help protect it from damage. Disclosure: BobVila. You agree that BobVila. All rights reserved.

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