How to Spray a Deck with Waterproofing
Waterproofing a wooden deck is important in preserving the beauty of the wood and protecting it against the harsh elements. Wood decks may begin to warp and deteriorate over time due to excessive exposure to water. Waterproofing will increase the life span of the deck and keep it top condition. Applying waterproofing sealant to a deck can be done with an airless or pump sprayer for quick application. Care must be taken to apply the waterproofing properly so that it does its job of shielding the wood from water damage. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Sandpaper
- Broom
- Deck cleaner
- Scrub brush
- Paint stirrer
- Airless sprayer or pump sprayer
- Small paint brush
Instructions
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1
Remove all items from the deck, including hanging plants, birdfeeders, wind chimes, etc.
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2
Repair any loose boards and sand any splintered portions of the wood. Use a broom to sweep off any loose dirt from the deck.
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3
Give the deck a thorough cleaning with a suitable deck cleaner and a scrub brush. Allow the deck to dry completely prior to applying the waterproofing.
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4
Cover surrounding landscaping and the house siding that butts up against the deck with plastic sheets to protect from overspray.
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5
Mix the can of waterproofing sealer thoroughly using a paint stirrer.
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Fill an airless or pump sprayer with the waterproofing sealant of your choice. For best results, choose a sealer that offers UV protection and mold and mildew resistance.
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Apply the sealer to the deck working from left to right, then right to left (or vice versa). Spray the sealer onto the deck in a thin coat, moving the nozzle of the sprayer back and forth and holding it about six inches from the surface.
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Avoid spraying too much sealer onto the deck in one coat. It is best to apply two thin coats rather than one thick coat.
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Have a helper go behind the sprayer with a small paint brush to even out the waterproofing and smooth out any puddles.
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Only apply a second coat of waterproofing while the first coat is still wet. It may be necessary to stop a portion of the way through and go back over what you just did to apply the second coat. Applying the waterproofing to already dry waterproofing will cause the first coat to adhere improperly.
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Continue spraying on the waterproofing until the whole deck has been covered. Use a small paintbrush to apply the waterproofing to corners, railings and other hard-to-reach places that may not be accessible with the sprayer.
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Allow the deck to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. Generally, this will take between three and four hours for the deck to be dry enough to walk on. It may take up to two days for the deck to completely dry.
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