Are you feeling like your deck has lost its life and is showing a dull appearance? Is the deck at your home the same as it was when it was first installed? Does it feel like your deck lost its shine and the natural lustre that it once displayed? Then it’s time to stain the deck. Staining the deck means adding a new layer of polish that hides scratches, stains, and other marks on the deck, giving the surface a fresh appearance.
When a deck is freshly stained, you not only bring back its former shine but also increase the curb appeal along home value. Staining the deck adds a shiny layer on top of the dull surface, making the deck feel like new and fresh. Additionally, staining helps protect your deck from pest infestation, mould growth and weather damage.
All these benefits you can get from a simple job – staining the deck
While deck staining is usually considered a DIY job, you can hire professionals to do the work. As they have experience and the proper tools needed for the job, you can get the work done easily without any effort.
However, if you are thinking of staining the deck by yourself, you have to follow a few tricks and tips that are mentioned below in detail:
- Choose the right stain
Staining the deck means you get the finish that you desire on the deck. In the market, you can find three kinds of stains – transparent, semi-solid and solid stains. The first one is better to keep the natural patterns on the deck while adding a thin layer of polish. It’s best for timber decks and those that feature designs and patterns. The second one is semi-solid, where you can attain the balance between visibility and protection. Finally, solid stains give you maximum protection; however, they completely hide the natural grain of the deck.Choose the right one according to the finish you desire. Also, sample the stain on a corner surface before you proceed with staining the entire deck.
- Don’t ignore initial preparation
Staining the deck doesn’t mean taking the stain bottle and applying the surface. you have to prep the deck surface so that the resultant finish is smooth and clear of bumps. For prepping, you have to clean the deck surface thoroughly with soap and water. If your deck has mould, mildew and dirt, you have to use a stiff brush to remove or pressure water to clean the surface. Additionally, sand the rough surface to get a dust-resistant and bump-resistant surface and to attain a smooth stain finish. - Take the weather into consideration
Choose a day that has the right weather. It shouldn’t be too hot, too cold or too rainy. Staining your deck in the hot summer will make the stain dry quickly and lead to uneven absorption. The temperature should be around 50-90°F. Also, allow 24 hours to dry the stain polish before you can use the deck. If you are not sure, give a quick call to the experts about what to do before sealing the surface, and to know whether the weather is suitable for staining the surface or not. - Always prefer the right tools
Professionals have the right tools to do the job, and you may not. However, being aware of the type of tools will help you find the right brushes so that you can do a successful job. Ensure that you have rollers, brushes, and sprayers. While rollers help you cover large areas, brushes are great for staining edges and railings, and sprayers help you finish the job quickly and efficiently. - Stain the deck in thin, even coats
Unlike painting, you shouldn’t apply thick coats of stain to achieve a great finish. It makes the deck so bulky and feels sticky to your feet. You should concentrate on applying thin coats of stain using a smooth brush and allow a layer of polish throughout the deck. It’s more of a professional job that makes the staining effortless. However, an amateur who has no prior knowledge or experience feels unable to achieve a smooth finish. - Don’t forget to care for your deck
Just because you stained the deck, it doesn’t mean you have to leave it without giving proper maintenance. Even after deck washing and staining, you should ensure that to maintain the deck to have a shiny surface always.From sweeping regularly to removing debris and restaining the deck every 2 to 3 years, you should follow a proper deck-care routine so that you can always enjoy a smooth deck.
Final thoughts
Staining is the job for professionals; however, with the right tools and knowledge, you can DIY staining on your deck. With the tips and tricks mentioned above, you can achieve a successful job without worrying about jeopardising the stain finish on your deck. For more expert tips, contact professionals or follow their blogs to help you attain knowledge.
