Staining A Wood Deck

(HIT) - Unlike clothing, staining can improve the look of wood decks and fences. In fact, staining wood—new or old—can help the wood weather the seasons better than untreated wood.

"Failing to stain your deck is like going outside in a rainstorm without an umbrella—you’ll definitely get wet and perhaps ill," said Guy Bowlan, a manager in the paint department of The Home Depot. "While your deck won’t catch a cold, it will certainly warp and swell if moisture penetrates the wood."

The sun’s ultraviolet rays are damaging to unstained wood, and will bleach the wood’s natural color. Staining a new deck or fence prolongs the wood’s natural beauty and color. Cleaning and staining older wood may result in a newer appearance.

Deck Staining Tips:

• New wood decks and fences should be coated as soon as the wood will absorb the stain. To test the wood’s absorbency, sprinkle on drops of water. If it absorbs quickly, you’re ready to stain. If it beads up on the surface, wait a couple of weeks and test the wood again.
• When ready to stain, whether the wood is old or new, make sure the surface is free of water, oil, dirt and other foreign substances. A wood cleaner will help remove the mill glaze left on newly planed lumber, and mold and mildew from old wood. Allow wood to dry completely after cleaning – at least two warm days.
• Nail stains are caused by low-grade steel or zinc-coated nails. To remove stains, use a wood cleaner containing oxalic acid. Oxalic acid is toxic so follow precautionary instructions on the label. Bleaching the stains may take as long as three to five days. Afterwards, tap the nails in further and putty over them to help prevent future staining.
• Apply stain when the weather is between 50 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid staining in direct sunlight or if rain is forecast within the next 24 hours.
• Apply the stain with a quality latex polyester or nylon brush. Rollers and sprayers typically result in the application of too much stain. If using a paintbrush, apply stain one board at a time, making sure to apply stain evenly. One coat of stain should be sufficient to adequately protect the wood. If more than one coat is needed, allow the first to absorb into the wood, approximately 15 to 30 minutes, then apply another coat.
• Don't allow stain to dry all the way before applying another coat. If the wood has not absorbed the stain in one hour, wipe off the excess stain with a clean cloth. Excess stain, or stain applied on top of a dry coat, will eventually peel.
• A gallon of stain will typically cover about 200 square feet of wood, or a deck measuring 10 feet by 20 feet. Additional stain is required for rougher surfaces.
• Stain's life span depends on weather conditions and exposure. To determine when it's time to stain again, simply apply stain to a test area. If the stain is not absorbed after 30 minutes, the wood probably does not need another coat.

Decks and privacy fencing provide a wonderful setting for entertaining, family activities and relaxation. A stain makeover just might turn your weather-beaten eyesore into your favorite resting spot.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center