It Pays to Use the Best Deck Stain
A newly stained deck and fence, against an expanse of emerald green lawn and shrubbery, adds a clean, well-kept appearance to any home. This is a moderately easy do-it-yourself project for most able bodied homeowners. Enlisting the help of the whole family will make this a fast and enjoyable project. This home improvement is a wonderful way to welcome spring into the backyard. Purchasing the best deck stain is the most important tip to remember before beginning.
Careful selection of deck stain supplies will speed the process along and make the whole job easier. There are different types of decking stains and the best deck stain should be chosen for the particular application. Read the directions on the can thoroughly before beginning. While still in the store, chose some exterior stain applicators. These stain pads will help keep the stain uniform as it is applied. Latex or rubber gloves will protect the hands and lower arms from becoming discolored. It is quite hard to get deck stain off skin. Wear old clothes and shoes; they will probably be ruined. If using a sprayer, it is advisable to wear a respirator. That is not a safety tip that should be ignored. Choose a stain that penetrates the wood and doesn’t just sit on top of it. If a non-penetrating stain is chosen, it will peel like paint, which defeats the purpose of staining instead of painting. It will also have to be re-stained sooner and won’t stand up to wear and tear like a penetrating stain will.
Cover all areas not to be stained with tarps or plastic. This includes grass and landscaping at the deck’s edges. The wood must be thoroughly dry to absorb the stain properly. Even the best deck stain can’t penetrate wet wood.
Apply the deck stain with the grain of the wood. Start staining the vertical surfaces and then move onto the horizontal. Do not stop partway through a board or area. If the stain dries before the job is finished, there will be overlap marks. Floors and steps are the last things to be stained. Remember not to work yourself into a corner or any position that forces you to walk on the wet surface. Wipe up excess stain and don’t allow it to puddle up as it will cause dark spots. Pay particular attention to puddling in the area underneath railings.
