Staining a wood deck should occur frequently (every 1-2 years) – especially on horizontal surfaces like the floorboards and steps. The stain wears away quickly on floorboards and steps because of three factors: 1. Sun 2. Foot traffic 3.
The opposite is actually true: Wood stains tend to appear lighter when they're fully dry. However, stains may darken as they weather and oxidize with age. Stains might also darken on surfaces left in direct sunlight, as UV rays can break down pigment particles and cause them to darken over time.
While some stains can last up to five years, postponing re-staining a wood surface for too long can cause the job to become more complex and labour intensive. Even decks that are stripped and re-stained will still require maintenance every couple of years.
The Disadvantages of Staining Wood
The wood surface must be thoroughly sanded and cleaned before staining, which can be a time-consuming process. Additionally, applying stain can be messier and more complex than painting, requiring more skill to achieve an even finish without blotches or streaks.
You generally don't want to leave a stain untreated for more than a week. Any time after this, removing the stain becomes harder. After years, it will most likely be permanent unless the fabric is especially forgiving like microfiber.
Often when people restain timber, the old Stain is either sanded away, is already flaking off, or can be restained over. While you can restain a deck over an existing stain without sanding or removing the existing peeling product, this isn't always recommended and can leave your deck looking a little worse for wear.
Professionals re-stain decks every 2-3 years to maintain the lumber's health and beauty.
Should you paint or stain first? If both finishes are being used on different parts of the same piece, always stain first. Stains absorb into the wood while paints sit atop it.
Do All Wood Stains Fade in Sunlight? Tim Inman: Old Sol always wins. Sunshine is incredibly destructive to both finishes and the substrates under them. UV rays will tear up the varnish and the wood structure.
Applying polyurethane on stained wood is a common practice to enhance durability, protection, and appearance. It provides a protective topcoat that seals in the stain and adds a glossy or satin finish, depending on preference.
Do You Have to Sand Before Staining Wood? Wood needs to be sanded well before it can be stained. The process opens up the wood's pores to better absorb the stain. It also smoothes away scratches in the surface which will only be enhanced by stain.
A Better Way to Tell
To tell if it is still good, start with a visual inspection. Discard finishes that have become thick, rubbery, stringy or separated, as well as those with a skunky odor or obvious mold growth. Ditto for water-based paint or finish that looks like cottage cheese.
Most transparent deck stain colors change and will go on darker and then lighten a bit as they dry. They will usually reach their final color within two or three days after application.
Pay attention to how long you leave the stain on the wood before wiping off any unabsorbed liquid. The longer the stain is left on, the deeper and richer the color will be. For consistent color, use careful timing.
Brushing offers greater control over where the stain is applied, allowing for a more precise finish. On the other hand, rolling can cover large areas quickly and efficiently. Picking between brushing or rolling wood stains can feel like an Olympic-level decision-making process if it's your first time!
Yes, painting over stained wood without polyurethane is just fine, and it will not affect your paint job.
A stain will need to be reapplied after 2-3 years, while the paint will last between 5-10 years before it needs to be recoated. However, this doesn't factor in any scratches and chipping that may occur to your deck. A painted deck can look unsightly in a short time.
Two coats are required to achieve the target color. However, a third coat can be applied to deepen the color if desired. Is a protective sealer/topcoat required after staining? No, this is a two in one product that already provides clear topcoat protection.
The short answer is yes. While pressure treatment protects against insects and rot, sealing is necessary to protect the wood from moisture and mildew.
You can also leave the wet stain on the wood for longer before you wipe away the excess - sometimes as long as 15 minutes. This may help you achieve a deeper color. Note: check the label directions for the particular stain you're using to see the maximum time you can wait before wiping off the excess stain.
Key Takeaways. Some of the toughest food stains to remove include coffee, tea, gum, peanut butter, mustard, berry juice, tomato-based sauces, baby food, red wine, chocolate, cooking grease and butter.