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Staining Your Deck

Summer DIY Project Staining Your Deck

by Julie Jordan

April to September are the prime months to revitalize your outdoor living space. Families are spending more time in their homes and enjoying their weekends outside entertaining on their decks. In a few simple steps you can easily bring out the beauty of the wood and impress all your friends. 4 easy steps to completing your project:

STEP 1: Preparation

The best time to stain your home’s exterior deck,
siding, or outdoor furniture is when temperatures are
moderate (above 50 degrees but below 95 degrees),
low humidity, and no rain in the immediate forecast.
About 95 percent of finish failures are due to improper
preparation. Stains require a clean surface free from
dirt, dust, grease, mildew, and loose wood fiber.
Whether your deck is new, weathered, or previously
coated, choose a high quality product for each stage.
Ask a local professional for advise.

STEP 2: Choose Color and Opacity

Choose from a variety of opacities on the market—
natural to solid color. The more pigment in the stain
the more opaque the coverage will be and the greater
its protection over time. Pint samples are available to
make your selection easier.

STEP 3: Product Selection & Application

Find a stain with superior waterborne technology.
Some choices include translucent, transparent, and
semi-transparent. Most of these products clean up
with soap and water.
Application Techniques:
• Apply an even uniform coat to a dry surface
• Maintain a wet edge during application
• End at a natural point
(window, door, or end of a board)
• Do not stain in direct sunlight

STEP 4: Maintenance

Always keep your deck clean of all leaves and debris.
Periodically wash your deck with a multi-purpose
cleaner. You can refresh your deck annually with a
protective clear coat.