I would like to stain my deck that is a couple years old-?

Question

We have recently added on to it and the wood doesn't match. I like the way the wood looks when its wet. Would I get that look with clear or do I use a color? I'm also not sure how to apply it. I have a small sprayer would that be better than using a brush? When is the best time to apply the stain. And how do you prep the wood to get the best end result. Thank You!

Answer 1

I helped my uncle with his decking a while ago.
I'd suggest, pressure washing it, then sweeping it down with a clean (maybe new) broom to help get rid of the surface water (best to do early morning on a nice sunny day.
once the wood has dried give it another quick brush with the (now hopefully) dry broom to get rid of any surface debris left.

then use your sprayer to apply the coating, I'd suggest trying to give it a second coat once the first one is as dry as possible, that way it should cover any of the old colour completely.

if the wood doesn't match it's would not look good with just a clear coating, so if that's defiantly the effect you want, you should colour it first so that it will all look the same.

Answer 2

Rent a pressure washer to clean the wood first. This will make it match better. Let it dry for a few days and then use something like Thompson's Water Seal. It comes in different shades. Just pick out what you like best. You can use a sprayer, brush or a roller.

Answer 3

They make a cleaner for decks and fences.
This combined with a power washer should get the old to look closer to the new.
A pump up sprayer will work for something like thompsons water sealer, but if you want stain than you will probably need a roller or a stain glove.

Answer 4

Power wash it first with a deck cleaner sold in all hardware type stores. You can pick from all types of stains there as well. I personally like to use a brush as I feel I get a better layer of stain that way, but you can roll it or spray whatever works best for you. I also prefer to stain in the morning before it gets too hot.

Answer 5

The best was to stain a deck is first to pressure wash it (This will get all the dirt and dingy grime off of the wood), you can rent pressure washers from most local & major hardware stores. Then, once deck is dry, finish it with wood stain, I think it always looks better with colored stain (That orangy color) This should do the trick and have your deck lookin hott!!