Please refer to “cleaning your deck” before treating it if your deck is not new.

 

How Do I Choose The Stain Or Sealer ?

 

Make sure to choose a specially-formulated deck stain or sealer to repel water, resist mildew, and prevent fading in high traffic areas. Sealers and stains are either water-based or oil-based. Oil-based finishes require less upkeep and less frequent re-coating than water-based finishes.

 

• Clear water repellent provides basic protection, including waterproofing, minimal UV protection, and sometimes mildew growth prevention. Because of the minimal UV protection, this type of sealer allows the wood to turn gray, though without splitting, warping, cupping, or cracking. Re-coating is required at least once a year.

 

• What Is Wood Toner? ?

• Wood toners are similar to clear water repellant, but they include a hint of color to help maintain or restore the natural beauty of wood. They provide similar levels of protection against splitting, warping, cupping and cracking, but tend to last a little longer.

 

• Clear wood preservative with UV protection protects your deck and prevents graying. These are often used on cedar and redwood decks to preserve the original colour. Oil-based preservatives can last for up to two years.

 

Semi-transparent stains are subtle and show the grain and texture of wood. These stains contain pigment that protects against sun damage better than a clear preservative. Oil-based semi-transparent stains provide the most protection, better color retention and longer life.

 

When choosing a stain, remember that the finished colour varies based on the wood itself. If you are applying a new stain over an old one, choose a colour that is similar to or darker than the original. Test the colour in an inconspicuous area to ensure proper colour.
Redwood and cedar contain pigments that may bleed to the surface. On these woods, use a dark colour stain that makes the bleeding less noticeable. These stains require re-coating every two to three years.

 

What Is A Solid Wood Stain?

Solid stain is available but tends to wear quickly when applied to high traffic areas. If you decide to use a solid stain, apply it to rails and benches only. If you use a solid stain on the entire deck, it will require frequent maintenance for peeling and cracking, so choose a semitransparent stain for main traffic areas. If your deck already has solid stain on it, you must either keep using a solid colour or use deck stripper. Deck stripper removes clear and solid/semitransparent stains

 

What Tools And Materials Are Needed To Stain Or Seal My Deck?

 

• 80-grit sandpaper
• Clear plastic
• Pole sander or palm sander (optional)
• Sealer/stain
• Paint roller with extension handle or sprayer
• Paintbrush
• Rags for clean up
• Safety mask
• Goggles

 

 

How Do I Apply Sealer or Stain?

 

When applying a sealer or stain, always read the manufacturer's directions. Drying times differ based on air temperature and humidity. Before you start, check the boards for needed repairs such as split boards or popped-up nails.

 

Wear rubber gloves, close-toed shoes, a long-sleeved shirt and pants when applying finish or cleaner to minimize the chance of skin irritation. Also, wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from back spray.

 

1. 1. Check the weather. Try to find at least two days of dry weather with temperatures between 50°F and 90°F.

 

2. Remove all deck furniture and plants

 

3. Sand all grade stamps, marks, and splintered areas. The entire deck may require sanding with a pole sander or palm sander to speed up the process. Sand in the direction of the grain. Be sure to wear a safety mask so you will not inhale the sawdust.

 

4. Sweep off loose debris and clean between the cracks. Make sure the deck is dry.

 

5. Cover plants and shrubs with clear plastic.

 

6. Stir the sealer or stain thoroughly. Do not shake sealer. Bubbles will form in the finish.

 

7. Apply a thin, even coat of sealer or stain over a two- to three-board section with a paint roller with an extension handle or a sprayer. Two thin coats are better than one thick coat that does not properly adhere or dry.

 

Do not allow the finish to puddle. To speed up the process, one person can apply the stain or sealer and another person can use a roller or broom to spread puddles and to work the finish into the wood, a process known as back rolling.

 

8. Repeat the above process for the entire deck. Use a paintbrush to apply the sealer/stain in corners and other difficult areas, such as steps, railings, end grain and cracks. A second coat is optional.

 

9. Allow the deck to dry completely.

 

10. Before disposing of rags, spread them out to dry completely. Heat generated from evaporating finish on a pile of rags can start a flash fire. If you are using latex stain, clean equipment with soapy water. If you are using oil-based sealers, clean with paint thinner or mineral spirits.

 

11.Rinse the plastic covering the plants with a hose and remove it.

 

TIP:Do not apply deck product in direct sun. The finish will dry too quickly and will not absorb into the wood.

 

Source:Lowe's How to http://www.lowes.com/cd_How-To+Projects_615580068_