During the summer, you’ll probably get outside and enjoy your backyard more. If you have a deck, it can be the perfect place to relax, grill, and entertain friends. If the wood looks a little worn, it may be time to stain or paint it again. Here’s what you should know about this process.

Do:

Test the stain first.

No matter how much time you spend at the store reviewing color samples, you won’t know how a stain looks until you apply it to your deck. If you have any leftover pieces of lumber from the deck construction, test the stain first to ensure you’re happy with the color. If not, paint a small patch in an inconspicuous area and allow it to dry before proceeding with the rest of the project.

Check the weather.

Like any outdoor painting project, deck staining needs dry weather. Ideally, you should have 48 hours of dry weather from the time the staining is completed to allow it fully dry and cure.

If the deck isn’t shaded, wait until you have some cloud cover—applying the stain in direct sunlight makes it hard to create an even appearance because the stain will dry quickly and won’t fully penetrate the wood. Temperatures should be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as cold weather may prevent the stain from curing fully, creating a tacky finish.

Don’t

Apply a thin coat of stain.

If you’re trying to stretch a can of stain further than it’s supposed to go, you may be applying thin coats. The stain is designed to soak into the wood and provide an extra layer of protection against the weather.

When you’re staining, ensure your brush or paint roller is well-saturated to fully coat the boards. You should also devote extra stain to board ends. They’ll absorb a lot of the stain, and being generous here will help prevent the board from splitting.

Leave pools of stain.

There are two keys to creating an even appearance across the deck. First, you should maintain a wet edge, which means you stain each board completely without allowing it to dry in the middle. Second, never allow the stain to puddle.

If it dries like that, you’re likely to have a deck that looks blotchy. Keep a rag or towel on hand to blot any areas where it’s collecting.

 

Get everything you need to stain or paint your deck this summer with a trip to Maher’s Paint & Wallpaper, LLC, in Avon, CT. For over 40 years, they’ve offered supplies for transforming homes throughout the Farmington Valley of Connecticut. They also carry window treatments and offer expert installation. To learn more about their services, visit them online, or call (860) 678-1200 to discuss your project.