How to Stain your Deck

Weathered deck boards can benefit from a fresh coat of stain.

You can stain your deck as a weekend project. Mastering the proper way to prepare your deck surface and apply the stain is a straightforward process. Look for a spell of clear, dry weather for best results. If you’re expecting rain, don't stain.

Things You'll Need

• Thick clothing
• Eye protection
• Rubber gloves
• Brush
• Deck cleaner
• Painter's tape
• Plastic
• Paintbrush
• Brush, roller, airless sprayer or garden sprayer

Instructions

1. Sprinkle a few drops of water on your deck to determine if it was previously stained or sealed. If the water beads up, chemically strip the deck to prepare it for staining, wearing proper protection, including thick clothing, eye protection and rubber gloves. If the water soaks in, your deck is ready to receive stain.

2. Clean the deck with a stiff bristled brush and deck cleaner. Follow up with a pressure wash to remove residue.

3. Protect the area surrounding your deck. Cover your siding using painter’s tape and plastic, and cover landscaping around the deck.

4. Apply the stain to railings and spindles using a natural bristle paintbrush. Stain tends to drip and run on the spindles, so avoid putting too much stain on these areas.

5. Stain the deck floor with a brush, roller, airless sprayer or pump-style pressurized garden sprayer. Spray four to five deck boards at a time. Roll out the stain with a paint roller, working its nap into grooves, cracks and gaps.

6. Allow your deck to dry for 24 to 48 hours before walking on it. Actual dry time depends on air temperature and humidity.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the weather, if your expecting rain - don't stain.

• Avoid applying stain in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. Flash drying can causes a blotchy finished appearance as well as roller lap marks. Overcast days are the best days for staining.

• Avoid applying stain in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. Flash drying can causes a blotchy finished appearance as well as roller lap marks. Overcast days are the best days for staining.

References

• University of Kentucky College of Agriculture: Hit the Deck!
• University of Missouri Outreach & Extension: Painting ACQ- or CCA-Treated Lumber