How to Waterproof & Stain a Deck
Decks are a popular feature among homeowners. People generally enjoy the quiet, outdoor privacy and alfresco dining made possible by decks, as well as the added dimension they provide to a home's living space. Like all other areas of the house, decks require regular maintenance if they are to retain their full beauty and functionality. Many stain products are now made with a waterproofing ingredient in them, so you actually waterproof your deck as you stain it. If you follow a deliberate, step-by-step, maintenance process, your deck will be one you are proud to enjoy and show off to others.
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Things You'll Need
- Brush with 4-foot handle
- Cleaner
- Water hose
- Wood brightener
- Wood stain
- Paintbrush
Instructions
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Allow newly installed decks to age and weather before waterproofing/staining them. Monitor the deck for two to four months, depending upon how harsh the weather is, and apply the stain/waterproofing solution after it has cured. Make sure there are a few days of clear weather forecast before starting this multistep, multirinse process.
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Use a scrub brush with a 4-foot handle, a deck cleaning product and plenty of water to thoroughly clean the deck surface. Take your time and be sure to remove any stains as you clean. Use sandpaper to remove any stains that remain after a vigorous scrubbing.
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Allow the deck to dry completely before the next step. If the deck is an older one, apply stain stripper after it's dry to remove any previous stain that was applied and possibly accumulated over time. Follow the instructions on the can, and again, rinse thoroughly.
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Spray the deck with the hose at its most powerful setting. Make sure you use plenty of water and remove every bit of the stain remover. Any left on the wood surface may change the stain hue when it is applied. Give the deck time to dry before the next step.
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Apply a wood brightener product next. Do not skip this step; it will make a big difference in the quality of the stain's appearance. Spray it on according to the instructions on the container, and yes, you guessed it--rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry.
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Remember to let the wood breathe, and resist heavy applications which don't allow for this. Apply a high-quality stain/waterproof, semitransparent product, following the instructions on the can precisely. Cheaper brands won't be able to extend the wear and beauty of the stain/waterproof job.
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Be careful to not put the stain product on too thickly, since this will cause peeling. Avoid the urge to apply a thick, shiny, heavy coat that will look good initially, but with a little age will crack, then bubble up and peel.
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Paintbrushes help stain penetrate your deck. Use a paintbrush to back brush the stain/waterproofing product as you spray it on. Take the time to work the product into the wood as you spray it on. Do not wait until you have sprayed it all on, then go back to brush it in. Do it as you go, while it is freshly applied.
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Tips & Warnings
Periodically check all wood surfaces for termites and other insect infestations.
Monitor the stain's life span regularly, and look for the water to bead and run off to know the stain is still protecting.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit deck boards image by Sirena Designs from Fotolia.com jet of water image by Vladimirs Koskins from Fotolia.com texture palmier image by Unclesam from Fotolia.com paint brushes image by Kevin Chesson from Fotolia.com
