There Are So Many Staining Options You May Need Professional Help To Decide Which Are Best for Your Deck
When it comes time to clean and restore your deck you have several staining options to choose from. All, when properly applied, will give you great results. But the key word is 'properly applied'. Even if you're familiar with the different types of stain if not applied properly you'll have streaking and overlapping which will detract from the appearance of your deck. But staining your deck also acts as a sealant and if the stain is not applied properly you're leaving your wood unprotected.
In the process of cleaning and restoring your deck you'll first want to remove old layers of stain and then power wash your deck to remove dirt, grime, mold and mildew. The next step is to apply a penetrating sealer that soaks deep into the wood to protect it from the harmful effects of the sun and harsh weather. The final step in the process is applying the stain which not only provides a decorative finish but also another layer of protection.
When considering the stain itself you'll have two basic staining options, either a water based stain or one with an oil base. Oil based stains will penetrate deeper into the wood and provide better protection however, they take much longer to dry. If your time is limited then consider using a water based stain but keep in mind that you'll have to repeat the process sooner than if you used oil based products.
You'll also have several options for applying the stain. If you've ever worked with either type of stain you'll know that it's important to apply even coats and to be careful about creating overlaps in the finish. Depending on the weather, when you use water based stain it can dry almost instantly on the surface of the deck which doesn't give you much time to make sure you're applying it evenly. You may want to consider an oil based stain if you're inexperienced to give you a little more time to correct mistakes.
You can apply the stain using brushes or rollers, whichever gives you greater control, and you'll want to have plenty of old rags available for wiping of excess stain. But one method to consider, if you have a very large deck, is spray application. Again, this method isn't for the inexperienced beginner. And you should never attempt it on a windy day. Once strong gust and you'll be staining the side of your house, your window, and any landscaping in the area. However, spraying on the stain does speed up the process as well as help you to apply the stain more evenly.
There are many more things to consider when you're looking at your various staining options. Such as, you should never wear shoes with black soles when you're staining your deck because the chemicals in the stain will soften the soles and you'll leave permanent foot prints all over your deck. It may sound silly now, but this is just one of the many things you need to consider. Your best bet, if you want a perfect finish that will not only protect your deck but also add to the value of your home, is to contact a professional deck restoration service and let them worry about the various staining options.