Staining a wooden deck or fencing is handy for two reasons, it will make the surface look better, and extend the life of the product. John Bunnell, owner of the CertaPro Painters franchise in Austin, Texas, talks about the options available when it comes to staining your decks and fences.
Staining is a great way to both enhance the appearance of, and extend the life of your deck or fence. The outdoor surfaces can be significantly revitalized though a cleaning and staining process. And, old wood can be made to look new again, while you subsequently prolong the life of surfaces in the process.
Both decks and fences can be stained using a variety of products currently available on the market. The more pigment used generally translates to a better protection level. So, while a clear coating will provide you with the least amount of protection, changing the color to a darker shade will add more.
Additionally, toners will provide you with a slight change in color as well as a better level of protection. And semi-transparent stains can provide a wide array of colors, while still allowing the natural wood grain to show through.
Solid Stains
Solid stains are available in any color and provide the overall best level of protection. However, once you have a solid stain on the deck or fence, it is difficult to go back to the natural wood look. Also, for decking, degradation or decomposition is more evident with a solid stain versus a semi-transparent stain or toner.
However, with any of these stains, proper cleaning and preparation is required to ensure that you achieve the best results. These surfaces should be cleaned and perhaps even brightened prior to the staining process. This is done through an actual product called a wood brightener. But, it is recommended that you consult with a professional prior to beginning the process to determine how much preparation or brightening is required because some of the harsher cleaners and brighteners can actually damage the fibers of the wood.
More Is Not Merrier
Keep in mind that many painting contractors, as well as the majority of do-it-yourselfers, mistakenly believe that the more coats you put on, the better. The quality of staining decks or fences should not be dependent on how many coats you apply. In fact, over-application can make the surface sticky, and thus make the stain unable to dry properly.
Clear finishes will probably not need to be re-applied for at least two years, although this will depend on weather conditions and the climate in which you live in. To maintain your newly stained wood, it is recommended that you carefully inspect all treated surfaces at least once a year to see how they are holding up.
