Before you can do that, though, you need to prep your deck for resealing. This includes cleaning it thoroughly so the new sealant can better penetrate the wood.
Your new stain will peel off the wood, and it might look much less desirable than it did before. In addition, if you don't have to wash your fence before staining, you'll find even more blemishes and unwanted spots in the wood.
If you have a wood deck, you should also pressure wash it before applying any stain or sealer. This will help the stain and/or sealer adhere better to the deck boards and prolong protection against the elements.
Prep the Surface
The wood needs to be free of dirt and stains for the stain to adhere properly. Start by sanding splintered spots, wearing a safety mask to avoid inhaling the dust. Sweep the deck and use a putty knife to clean between the boards. Clean the wood by applying a deck cleaner.
Proper prep is key to a successful deck sealing. Begin by repairing or replacing any loose or broken boards. Then, use a power washer to scrub the surface clean. Allow the deck to dry for 24 hours, then sand the surface with 60- to 150-grit sandpaper or a sanding disk.
A quick pass before sealing using 120-grit sandpaper is all it requires. Once finished, use a leaf blower to remove all dust and debris. Deep clean the deck. To further clean and brighten the wood after pressure washing, apply an all-in-one deck cleaner to the deck's surface.
In short, yes. We highly recommend using a deck cleaner when prepping your deck for a new coat of deck stain. We'd also recommend using a deck brightener before staining your deck, though this step isn't required.
Use a scrub the deck with the long handle brush. Make sure to work the cleaner over all the areas of the deck. Mist the area with a hose. If you encounter grease or oil stains, add a few drops of Dawn and scrub vigorously.
Clean With Mineral Spirits
Woodworkers often use mineral spirits before staining or painting, as it helps you spread a pigment over a surface easily. Pour a small portion of the mineral spirits onto the surface, then wipe along the wood grain to avoid making scratches or grooves.
Power washing your deck, patio, fence, siding, or any other outdoor structure can brighten it up and make it look new again. And while it may be tempting to apply a new coat of stain immediately after pressure washing, most experts recommend waiting at least 48 hours before applying any new products.
When the moisture content of the wood is below about 25%, you can use the sealer, but if you haven't got a moisture meter that's not going to help much. Damp wood can be felt with the skin as a sensory organ; this is not widely known.
Prepping the Wood
Clean the wood very thoroughly to remove sanding dust before each new coat of polyurethane, using a vacuum (if available) and a tack cloth. You can also use a rag moistened with mineral spirits (for an oil-based poly) or cheesecloth moistened with denatured alcohol (for a water-based poly).
— Wet a clean, non-abrasive cloth with a mineral spirit and rub over the wood surface to remove any wax. — To clean the surface, dampen a cloth with water and a non abrasive mild soap such as Murphy's Oil Soap. If the wood looks wet your cloth is too wet. — Allow the surface to dry completely.
With a staining brush, work both with the grain and against it. Don't worry about being neat; all that matters is getting a nice, even, liberal coat over the wood. Wipe the stain off immediately if you'd like a lighter tone. But for a deeper tone, leave the stain on the wood for 5 to 10 minutes before wiping it off.
Your deck may not have grime on it, but the color of the stain may wear away. While you can apply a new layer of the stain without power washing, a pressure wash can help prepare the wood to absorb the stain. It will last longer afterward, and you won't have to worry about dirt getting stuck under the stain.
The key to staining on the same day as prep is to allow all the visible water to dry off the deck. It can be applied to damp wood to the touch not soaking wet wood. Make sure that when applying you only apply as much stain as the wood can absorb. Do not over apply a semi-transparent deck stain.
Applying a topcoat sealer is not required, but a finish protects the stained wood from scratches and keeps it from fading over time. If applying a polyurethane wood finish with a brush, apply one to two coats.
They include: Warm water can be used on its own to wash a wood or composite deck. Liquid dish soap (ammonia-free) is safe for use on cleaning your deck when mixed with a little warm water.
Rollers are a great way to apply wood stain as well for the speed at which you can apply the stain. However, when using rollers can be a disadvantage when you have hard to reach areas. If you are going to use a roller to apply your stain, make sure to have a brush as well for those hard to reach areas.
If you have a covered deck, try using the roller to reach those high spaces. For your wide surfaces, like the main surface of the deck, consider using the sprayer. This will allow you to make sure that your whole deck is covered with the paint or stain of your choosing.
Most oil-based stains must dry for at least 12 hours before they are exposed to any moisture/rain; however, Ready Seal, if properly applied to prepped and dried wood, can get wet within a couple of hours, and it won't wash away. Oil-based stains will generally take 24-72 hours to fully cure.
It takes a full 24 hours for most wood sealers to dry completely, but many experts recommend it dries for a full 72 hours before using the deck. Check the weather before you start to make sure there's no rain in the forecast and temperatures will be fairly warm, so it will dry completely.