If you have an older fence or deck that has turned gray you may think it is too late to have beautifully stained wood in your backyard. The truth is that fences and decks can be restored to their original condition and transformed with quality outdoor stain.
Use fine-grit sandpaper (120--150 grit) to sand the surface lightly. This will remove the remaining gray patina, smooth out rough areas, and restore some of the original color. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratches or damage to the surface. Wipe away any sanding dust with a damp cloth.
Weathered wood must be cleaned and bleached prior to staining to address any mildew spores. No matter the type of wood, we always recommend waiting 24-48 hours after rainfall or cleaning to make sure the structure is dry prior to staining.
To make wood look weathered gray, apply a mixture of white vinegar and steel wool to the wood surface. Let it sit for a few hours to develop the gray patina.
There are gray wood stain colors available on the market which can be used if you just want a simple gray stain. I've rounded up and tested out 5 grey wood stains that are both affordable and easy to find at your local home improvement store or online.
If you have an older fence or deck that has turned gray you may think it is too late to have beautifully stained wood in your backyard. The truth is that fences and decks can be restored to their original condition and transformed with quality outdoor stain.
Before you resort to sanding your wood siding to remove gray oxidation, cleaning with oxygen bleach and oxalic acid should remove the gray and restore the wood's natural color. Each year you want to give your cedar siding a general cleaning to remove dirt and grime, and brighten your siding.
The natural beauty of Weathered Wood will always be in style. A base of deep brown is accented with hints of earthy clay, and lighter brown to create a look that is strong, rustic and cozy. Color and product availability varies by region and manufacturing location.
As a result of their natural durability, two of the most popular species for grey cladding are Western Red Cedar and Siberian Larch, although any qualities species can work: Douglas Fir, Alaskan Yellow Cedar but also modified woods like ThermoWood®, Thermo-Ayous and Thermo-Tulipwood CAMBIA®.
Paint generally lasts longer as it forms a protective layer against weathering. However, stains won't peel like paints might over time.
Stain the pressure-treated wood using a paint pad applicator. This is easier than brushing a large deck or structure by hand, and more accurate than using a pressurized sprayer. Use a paintbrush to stain between cracks and problem areas. Usually no more than one coat is needed.
Condition of Siding: If your siding is older, it will need thorough sanding before applying a penetrating finish. Clear toners, semitransparent, and semisolid stains work well on older wood. For new wood, solid-color stains are usually the best choice.
Refresh with Wood Reviver Power Gel
Through subsequent re-oiling, the fresh warm wood colour is restored. To use, first wet the surface then apply the Wood Reviver Power Gel with a brush in the direction of the grain on to the greyed areas. Wait for about 20 minutes for the gel to penetrate the surface.
As we mentioned earlier, darker wood species tend to discolour. In this case, the application of an oil, such as Lignum Nature, can be sufficient to regenerate the wood. The video below shows you how easy the restoration can be.
Weathered Gray is a lighter shade of misty cool gray color and part of our New Neutrals Collection. With a touch of stormy blue and a hint of cloudy skies, Weathered Gray is a cooler neutral that invites a relaxed atmosphere. Pair with navy, crisp white and sage green for a classic beachside color palette.
Oil-Based Deck Paints: Oil-based paints penetrate deeply into the wood, providing a durable finish that's less likely to chip or peel. They're particularly effective for decks that have seen a lot of wear and tear.
Our tip for painting over rotting or weathered wood is to use oil-based primers, because oil primers seal the wood grains and prevent bubbling. Prime any filled spots first, and then work your way from the top of the exterior wall to the bottom.
Manual Stripping to Remove the Gray from Wood
With this method, you sand off the old finish and the gray by hand or with an electric sander. Start with a coarse grit, and once complete, go over the wood again with a more medium grit. This will help to smooth out the surface and prepare it for staining and re-sealing.
6–12 In recent work, we found that the most effective method for remediating a weathered wood surface was sanding. 13 Sanding im- proved the performance of a finish on unweathered wood as well. 14 In these studies, the period of weathering was relatively short.
Sanding your deck may achieve the desired result, but the gritty experience is less than desirable. The deep-cleaning action of a pressure washer will remove ground-in dirt, mold, and mildew without all the mess. Use a mid-sized pressure washer with at least 2400 PSI of pressure.
You really should stain and seal your fences from the beginning, but, say your fence has turned gray – then what should you do? Don't worry; you can save the color! As soon as you notice your fence drying out, you should begin the staining process.
Use a mild detergent and low pressure to avoid damage to the wood. Allow the fence to dry thoroughly. Apply the stain: Use a sprayer, roller, or brush to apply the stain. Start at the top and work your way down, making sure to catch any drips.
Older fences typically turn a weathered grey color. While this can be beautiful in the right circumstances, you may still choose to stain it.