When it comes to maintaining your deck preventative maintenance goes along way. It's best to stain or seal your deck at least every five years. Syracuse's weather can be brutal and wear down the best applied stain or sealers quite fast. Some homeowners make the mistake of using paint to seal their deck not realizing it is going to cost them if they ever want to get it right again. Paint sits on top of the substrate it is applied to while stains penetrate the surface protecting the wood further. Like anything else with repaints or staining preparation is the key to lasting high quality finishes.
Decks can be in many conditions in this neck of New York so knowing what you are dealing with will help you choose the right methods for an optimal deck staining. Here are some basics to keep in mind when tackling this type of project:
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Choose the Right Cleaning Product - Which cleaning product you need depends on the condition of your deck or porch.
Use stain & sealer remover on all exterior wood that has been previously treated or stained. There are many great products available to make this step easy. Use deck wash solution to remove mold and mildew from composite decking and unstained pressure-treated wood.
Choose the Right Stain - The type of stain you choose depends on the appearance and durability you want to achieve. Buy the best product available. It will save you time and money. The cheap grade stuff will spread to thin and be gone before Labor Day.
Clear
While offering the least UV protection, clear stains provide an optimum view of natural wood grain.
Toners
Toners provide a light color that highlights wood grain and provides good durability.
Semi-Transparent Stains
Semi-transparent stains provides very good durability as well as a rich, pigmented color that allows the natural wood grain to show through. For severely weathered natural wood it's recommended that you apply two coats of semi-transparent stain.
Solid Color Stains
Solid color stains help cover up wood blemishes or unsightly grain while offering maximum durability. Advanced technology makes Solid Color Stain a perfect choice for composite decking.
Use the Right Project Materials - To properly prepare and finish your deck or porch, your project checklist should include the following items: Gloves, broom, garden hose, drop cloth, sanding sponge, stiff synthetic-bristle brush, 4" stain brush, brush holder, roller extension pole, pump sprayer
Preparing the deck
Hand scraping loose and flaking stain or sealer.
Secure loose decking, rail, spindles. Hammer down popped nail heads and make repairs to wood if necessary
Sand the boards, rail, spindles
Depending on the age and condition of your deck it may need to be professionally pressure washed. Pressure washing to the inexperienced can do more damage than good if you do not know what tip to use, are to close to the surface, are to far from the surface. This is the point where you either use a garden hose and cleaning product or pressure wash to remove dirt, grease, dust, mold, mildew.
Once it is dry check by sprinkling water on it and seeing if it is absorbed. During the spring and summer how long it takes your deck to dry will vary. Typically 1-2 days with warmer weather.
Application
Applying your stain or sealer can be done a few different ways. When applying stain take a board at a time to avoid lap marks. Start high with rail/spindles if applicable and work your way off the deck. Don't stain yourself in a corner! You can use a roller, stain brush, pump sprayer. If you do decide to spray it on make sure you brush it in or roll it in for maximum protection. You may need two coats so allow at least 4 hours in between coats. Allow 48 hours before using your newly stained or sealed deck.
Thank You for stopping in,
Bill Donigan
Donigan Painting
224 Ross Park
Syracuse, NY 13208
315-313-3254
doniganpaintingco@gmail.com
http://doniganpainting.webstarts.com/
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