Materials Needed to Stain a Deck

Brighten and re-stain your old wooden deck.

With a little effort and very few materials, wood decks can be restored and stained to make them appear new and bright. Preparation of the wood is the most important step, and it is advisable to take it one step at a time and not be in a hurry. Modern deck stains and materials will clean, brighten, remove stains, protect and enhance the beauty of the wood.

Deck Stripper and Cleaners

New decks that have never been coated must be thoroughly washed with a calcium percarbonate deck wash to remove mill scale, dust and dirt. Old decks need wood stripper to remove stains or previous coatings. Compare brands. The instructions on the can should tell you the number of square feet covered per gallon, which will help you calculate how much to buy. The directions for use are slightly different for each brand, but you usually paint or spray it on, scrub and then wash it off very well.

Paint Brushes and Sprayers

Seasoned deck contractors prefer to use a large paint brush because the backward and forward motion of the bristles force the stain or stripper deep into the grain of the wood. A power or hand-held garden sprayer will do the job a lot quicker. You can also use a paint roller -- don't forget the tray -- or foam brush if you prefer.

Wood Brightener

Wood brighteners are designed to neutralize chemicals still on the deck while brightening and improving the appearance of the wood and bringing out the grain. They also open up the wood to make it more receptive to the stain. Spray on and rinse off with lots of water. Allow the deck to dry completely before applying the stain.

Wood Stain

Wood stain is usually semi-transparent. It changes the color of the wood but allows the grain to show through. Deck stains can be water- or oil-based while others contain resin to help make the deck water-resistant and to prevent wood rot. They come in a choice of colors like cedar, mahogany, redwood and more. Follow the directions on the can carefully and apply the recommended number of coats. Too many coats may cause the surface to flake or peel while too few will not provide the protection your deck needs.

References

• SaverSystems: Stain Your Deck Like a Pro
• Al's Home Improvement Center: Stain a Wood Deck