Pressure Washing Is Easier and Faster than Sanding In scenarios where detailed, restorative work or surface preparation for painting or staining isn't required, the power washer is the optimal tool. It dramatically reduces the labor intensity and time required when compared to the meticulous process of sanding.
In all seriousness you should power wash first and then sand it. Sanding will make the stain last longer or you'll be power washing and staining every one/two years. Sanding and replacing any rotting boards will buy you at least another 6/7 years if you do it correctly.
The proper way to clean a deck is with a deck cleaner and a wood brightener. The deck cleaner will remove the dirt, mold, graying, etc. The Wood Brightener will lighten the wood to it's natural pH balance. You can use a stiff scrub brush and or a pressure washer at low pressure when using the cleaner and brightener.
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.
Next, we recommend sanding and stripping your deck boards, this is, so any old stain or varnishes are removed, and the wood pores are unclogged, making it easier for the Stain to absorb into the wood.
Because you want to wait for days that aren't excessively hot or humid, the best times to apply deck stains are in the late spring and early fall, when the weather is moderately warm and dry.
On most raw woods, start sanding in the direction of the grain using a #120-150 grit paper before staining and work up to #220 grit paper. Soft woods such as pine and alder: start with #120 and finish with no finer than #220 (for water base stains) and 180 grit for oil base stains.
DECK SPEED MOPS AND STAIN PADS
A stain applicator pad or mop is a fast, effective option for large surface areas. They hold a lot of stain due to their absorbent fibers, they are easy to use, and they don't shed, lending to a flawless and even staining result.
Typical deck-sanding involves clearing out debris through sweeping or power washing, fixing irregularities on the surface, sanding the top layer with coarse grit and then switching to medium grit. The last step involves sanding with a finer grit to achieve a smoother finish.
Clearing away the old finish, grime, mold, mildew, and other impurities in the wood—as well as the graying layer of the wood that was exposed to the sun—will allow the stain to absorb evenly into the wood. After you power wash, allow the wood to dry for at least 48 hours before you begin applying the new stain.
A high-quality natural bristle brush with soft but firm bristles is recommended for applying stain to a deck. Using the right brush and following the manufacturer's instructions is essential to avoid drips and streaks.
While sandpaper smooths the surface and opens the grain, the tack cloth picks up tiny dust particles left behind. Cleaner or mild soap removes dirt, while mineral spirits provide a final clean before staining.
Why does my wood appear fuzzy after pressure washing it? Pressure washing removes the outer layer of dead wood, and can sometimes make it look like it has short fuzzy hairs. This is caused by the tearing of the wood fibers.
Unlike manual scrubbing, which is labor-intensive and time-consuming, using a pressure washer can prepare your entire deck surface for a new coat of stain in a fraction of the time. Another significant advantage of pressure washing is the fast and thorough removal of accumulated dirt, grime, and old finishes.
A wide 18-inch roller may work well for staining a few fence or deck boards, but a mop or stain pad will hold more stain, lessening the time you have to dip back into the stain bucket. Wood and Deck Stain Types: Paint rollers work well for semi-solid and solid color deck stains.
The basic rule for getting good results with any stain is to apply a wet coat and wipe off the excess before it dries. You can use any tool – rag, brush, paint pad, roller or spray gun – to apply the stain.
Staining Wet-on-wet:
This prevents creating two layers of paint as well as different color at the overlap and at the same time helps you avoid unattractive lap marks. You can also work slowly and remove the paintbrush from the wooden deck gradually at the time when it runs out of stain.
The Golden Rule of Sanding
The golden rule for choosing your sequence is to never skip more than 1 grit. For example, if you start with P80, and need to finish at P240, rather than using every grit from P80 – P220, you can do P80 – P120 – P180 – P240. This sequence cuts out P100, P150 and P220.
Use a low grit like 60-80 on rough areas. Then progress to higher grits like 120-150 if desired. How smooth to sand is a personal preference once splinters and roughness has been removed. Handrails may warrant extra attention and finer sandpaper grits.
Always wash a freshly sanded deck before refinishing using the right deck cleaning solutions, tools and rinsing methods. Allow 48 hours to dry fully. Proper post-sanding washing techniques lock in durability and longevity of your renewed outdoor living space.
Many homeowners wonder, “How often should I stain my deck?” To keep a deck looking great and prolong the life of the wood, a deck should be stained every two to three years. Other signs your deck needs staining are: The deck has mold or mildew buildup. Water soaks into the deck boards and no longer beads up.
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.