How to Stain a Cedar Deck

Stain can alter the color of a cedar deck and preserve the wood.

Outdoor cedar ages to a dull grayish hue instead of its natural golden-brown color if the wood does not have a coat of sealer or stain on it. Homeowners who want to stain a deck with some color can choose from tinted water-repellent wood toners, oil-based semitransparent penetrating stains, latex stains and opaque oil-based stains. Before actually applying stain, a deck will need sanding and cleaning to make sure the stain goes on evenly. Wait for a clear, dry day to apply stain, because rain can mess up a wet coat of stain.

Things You'll Need

• Dust mask
• 80-grit sandpaper
• Power washer (optional)
• Bleach
• Water
• Broom
• Rubber gloves
• Paint brush
• Stain
• Old rags

Instructions

Preparation

1. 

   Take all the furniture off the deck to prepare it for cleaning.

   Remove all patio furniture from the deck.

2. 

   Protect yourself by sanding with a dust mask on.

   Put on a dust mask to protect yourself from inhaling small wood or finish particles while sanding.

3. Remove old varnish, latex-based stain or any other old stain that coats the surface of the wood by sanding it off and then power-washing the deck. It works fine to leave old oil-based penetrating stain on the deck and touch it up with more of the same type of stain.

4. Remove any mildew from the deck by washing wood with a wood cleaner that contains bleach or with a solution of bleach mixed in water. Use 1 part chlorine bleach for every 3 parts water, and add enough dishwashing soap to make the mixture bubble.

5. Allow the deck to dry thoroughly before continuing. It may take a full day or two for the wood to completely dry.

6. 

   Use sandpaper to smooth the surface of the deck before finishing it.

   Sand any rough patches or splintered areas of the deck with an 80-grit sandpaper.

7. Sweep dust off the deck.

Stain Application

1. 

   Protect your skin from stain with gloves.

   Put on rubber gloves to protect hands from stain, which can contain harsh chemicals.

2. Stir the stain to distribute the pigment evenly.

3. Apply a thin coat of stain with a paintbrush. Rollers and sponges also work to apply stain, but brushes help stain go on most evenly and penetrate best.

4. Wait for an hour to let the stain soak into the wood, then wipe off any excess oil-based penetrating stain with a rag. Most of a single coat of penetrating stain should soak in after an hour; removing extra stain keeps the color even and prevents glossy spots from forming.

5. Apply a second coat of stain, if desired, to darken the color of the wood even more. Alternatively, wait a couple years to apply a second coat of stain for better stain penetration and a longer-lasting finish.

6. Allow the deck to dry completely before replacing furniture or walking on it.

Tips & Warnings

• Penetrating oil-based stains look most natural, because they add some tint while soaking into the wood to leave the natural grain visible. They protect wood from sunlight and last longer than many other types of stains. This type of stain is best for new wood, wood that is fully exposed to the elements outside and wood that was previously treated with a penetrating stain.

• Toners make wood waterproof, add a little tint and prevent swelling and cracks. However, they do not offer a lot of UV protection and require new applications yearly.

• Opaque oil-based stains coat wood with a relatively thick coat of stain and pigment. Although they allow some of the wood to show through, they add more color than most other types of stains. They crack and flake more than penetrating oil-based stains or latex-based stains, but they last for relatively long and protect wood from the elements.

• Latex-based stains coat wood with a protective layer and some pigment. They are more flexible than opaque oil-based stains, but they flake and crack more often than penetrating stains. They provide mildew prevention and hold their color well, but tend to wear out quicker than penetrating oil-based stains.

• An oil-based penetrating stain will not work over an old coat of latex, varnish, coating sealer or opaque oil-based stain.

• Avoid applying stain in direct sun, which can dry the stain before it has enough time to soak into the wood.

• Keep rags and paintbrushes with stain on them away from fire, because wet stain is often very flammable.

• Stains often have harsh fumes, so make sure to use them in a well-ventilated area.

References

• Lowe's Home Improvement Store: How to Clean and Stain a Deck
• United States Department of Agriculture; Selection and Application of Exterior Stains for Wood; R. Sam Williams, et al.; January 1999
• University of Minnesota Sustainable Urban Landscape Information Series: Selecting Wood for Outdoor Structures