For a DIY'er you need to figure out what you want it to look like. Pressure treated wood typically looks great with a solid stain applied over it and is very common at most Central NY homes because it holds up so well with our seasons. If your deck was previously stained with a solid stain, not paint, you can go over it with another solid stain after following these steps:
1. Buy a deck cleaning solution and stiff bristle brush that can attach to a pole.
2. Grab a paint scraper or five in one and scrape off loose stain. Clean up the debris. A shop vac works great because it gets all the fine particles.
3. Use an 80 grit sand sponge and pole sander to go over the entire deck. This will knock down any thing stuck on there and will give you a smooth service that will absorb the stain better.
4. Grab your deck cleaning solution and follow the manufacturers suggested mixing ratio. An easy way to apply the cleaning solution evenly is to buy or use a garden sprayer. A 2-3 gallon capacity is the right size. Apply and scrub it in then let it sit for the recommended time and rinse.
5. Now that your deck is clean and prepped wait a couple to a few days for it to dry before applying your stain. A good rule of thumb to check for dryness is to take a small amount of water and drip it on the deck. If it is absorbed your are good to go. If it beads up it is to soon.
My next blog will cover what product is best for your deck and how to apply it. Some deck staining products are better than others in different situations. If you have a deck that is older with a lot of cracks there is a product that can potentially restore it. Stay tuned!
Bill Donigan
Donigan Painting
Syracuse NY 13208
315-313-3254
http://doniganpainting.webstarts.com/
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