Painting Tips: Decks
It’s officially the time of year when we begin to enjoy outdoor gatherings with family and friends. And for many of us, these events take place on a deck.
Unfortunately, their upkeep is often overlooked or put on the backburner. It is crucial for the longevity and structural integrity of your deck, that you make sure it’s in the best condition possible, and I just happen to have some staining tips to keep your deck looking and feeling ship-shape!
Most homeowners pressure wash their decks prior to staining. Pressure washing in and of itself is not a bad thing, especially if your deck has become slick due to algae and fungus. However, your deck boards will retain moisture for longer, the closer to the ground it is. So keep this in mind when pressure washing before staining. Also consider the amount of rainfall you’ve had. A few days of good sunshine before applying stain, and about a week after pressure washing to fully dry before proceeding, will ensure that the finish of your deck doesn’t prematurely peel.
If you are changing the semi-transparent color of your deck to another semi-transparent color, it is best to strip it down 100%. I recommend 150-220 grit sandpaper, using an orbital or belt sander. As always, begin with the coarser grit and work your way to the finer grit.
Pro tip: use a leaf blower to clear away the dirt and sawdust after sanding, rather than washing it down.The simplest way to cover your deck with a new color, no matter what stain you have currently, is with a solid stain. To prep for this, just sand down any loose stain and peeling stain, clear away the dirt and sawdust, and apply your solid stain directly over it.
Caring for your deck really isn’t as overwhelming as it may seem, and it goes a very long way in keeping your deck around for years of enjoyment.
I hope these tips help you DIY’ers, and as always, The Neighborhood Painter is here to help!