Our composite decking was horribly stained from dirt and muddy paws. Cleaning still left blotches so we stained it. It looked great for a week, then started to get dirty again. This time when we cleaned it (with an approved oxy-type deck cleaner) the stain faded, too. Should we stain and seal? Darn you, composite decking! You are not as maintanence-free as promised.
2006-08-25 05:54:47 · 6 answers · asked by HD 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
We tried power-washing several times before we stained. All cleaning has also included scrubbing with approved cleaning products. Not sure the make on the decking, but it is 2 years old.
If the material is so resistant to absorbing stain as people report, why is it so easily absorbing retaining stains from dirt, dog drool, etc.?
2006-08-25 07:05:09 · update #1
Because composite decking is made of recycled plastic products I do not think stain will last on your deck. My suggestion would be to just clean it as you have.
2006-08-25 06:01:23 · answer #1 · answered by big_mustache 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
composite material is not meant to be painted or stained. it is already treated with bonding agents that prevent some chemicals from bonding with it. it's sort of like a teflon coated material. whether you stain and seal is irrelevant since there's not chemical bonding taking place which is why it fades and disappears after awhile. power washing is the best way to clean a composite deck. Sadly, if you REALLY want to doll it up then you'll have to switch back to wood. or just leave the composite as is.
2006-08-25 06:02:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact the maker of the decking and tell them what is up with it, after all it may be a defective batch. Or ask them what they think you should use. Never hurts to try.
2006-08-28 21:03:32 · answer #3 · answered by quik1964 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sigh,, did you pressure wash it? the substances have evolved in improvements. How old is the composite? What brand? I use Trex almost exclusively.
Rev. Steven
2006-08-25 06:01:25 · answer #4 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
why would you stain composite decking....it's preserved and weather proof...oh to clean it power wash
2006-08-25 05:57:37 · answer #5 · answered by betty 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah...I didn't think this stuff was meant to be colored in any way.
2006-08-26 04:43:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋