It requires one application, and in most environments, will last for two years. It rejuvenates and transforms interior timber. They protect against bugs and mildew and even offer UV protection while enhancing the wood grain; all protect against moisture. This occurs when the stain doesnt cure completely. Should You Power Wash Your Deck Each Spring? Water will bead if the wood is sealed. Make sure to wait until the stain dries before sanding. Understanding whether youre going to be staining hardwood or softwood is a critical factor when it comes to deciding on an exterior wood stain. You have permission to edit this article. Right now for a limited time, were offering a $500 credit toward your new deck construction project of $10,000+ when you mention the coupon code WEB20. The next time you give staining wood a try, just try not to make the same mistake twice. All posts copyright their original authors. Find your nearest store to check product availability. If using a pigment based stain, like most Minwax products, the pigment can settle into the sanding marks showing your half assed sanding job ( not that. It prevents water from being absorbed and causing rot. It is good for 4 to 5 years. We don't use them where I work. Semi-Opaque or semi-solid hides most of the wood grain beneath the rich pigment. A sealer goes on clear or transparent to show the grain and the natural wood color. [] of wood stains: water-based and oil-based. Adding a sealer over a stain isnt advisable. Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms mainly during the evening. If you decide to stain, pick a few sample colors that are a few shades darker or lighter than the shade you want. Hopefully, you have a better understanding of deck sealing vs. staining, what they do, and what will protect your deck better. When is the best time of year to stain my deck? Take the stain that you used on the first coat, and apply another layer to the lighter target area. Howard County, Maryland:Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Glenwood, Clarksville. If you accidentally apply stain elsewhere, just grab a rag and gently wipe it off. Beware! For oil based stains, if you have areas with uneven color, simply try applying another layer of stain to the area. Find out if there are any hidden issues, whether the deck needs maintenance prior to staining or sealing it. What is the Difference Between Stain and Stain & Varnish? Free click & collect or delivery nationwide. The larger amount of pigment seamlessly covers blemishes and any discoloration in the natural wood. Cherry. Staining a new deck will provide a more uniform color or tone to the wood, while sealing will help maintain the natural color. Mineral spirit is a helpful tool to remove any unwanted marks created during the staining process in general. When required, a new coat can be applied without sanding or stripping. A deck sealer is a clear or slightly tinted water or oil-based product. Without the use of these maintenance products, youll end up paying a lot more money in the end, when you have to prematurely replace your entire deck or fence. You have a choice of either water-based or oil-based sealer; many professionals recommend oil-based products, which last longer. Clear stains are totally transparent sealers that allow the natural color of the wood to show through. Softwood surfaces also have a tendency to appear blotchy and have inconsistent wood grain. Be Truthful. You can rent these from most big box stores. Threats of harming another Visit our Project Showcase for more useful project tips and advice. Areas that wear faster can be touched up without redoing the whole deck too. DeckMaster provides high quality deck & fence cleaning, sealing, construction and repair services in Montgomery County, Maryland: Gaithersburg, Germantown, Darnestown, Potomac, Bethesda, Rockville, Kensington, Chevy Chase, Wheaton, Silver Spring, Aspen Hill, Colesville, Boyds, Damascus, Clarksburg, Montgomery Village, Laytonsville, Burtonsville, Ashton, Poolsville. These deck stains are a good fit for most uses and will deliver excellent results with exceptional waterproofing wood capabilities. Deck sealers arent just for decks. The difference between Stain and Stain & Varnish is that Stain & Varnish has thattraditional timber stain combined with a professional clear polyurethane for one-step timber colour and protection. Use the 'Report' link on Semi-solid stains are in between semi-transparent and solid color wood stains. There are many different types of stains, ranging from transparent stains, to semi-transparent stains, to solid stains. Frederick County, Maryland: Frederick, Mount Airy, Urbana. Wash rags by hand -- if you applied a water-based finish, use soapy water; if you applied an oil-based finish, use mineral spirits or paint thinner, then rinse -- and hang them outdoors to dry, spaced well apart. You'll get a better, more controllable result with separate stain and seal steps. Contact DeckMaster! A wood brightener is beneficial as it neutralizes any cleaners and brightens the wood back to a new look. Exterior wood stains come in multiple different forms. Its the differences, however, that determine whether its a deck sealing vs. staining task. I'm already making plans to refinish it or build a new desk top when it gets warmer. Semi-transparent water-based deck stains are quick to dry, and penetrate into the wood pores for protection. The below information will hopefully help you to determine which product would be best for your project. The stain will fade over time and should be reapplied every 2 to 5 years as required. Ease of application was in mind throughout the formulation of ReadySeal to ensure all consumers a [], [] This distinctive product comes in five natural tones that not only sustains the natural beauty of exterior wood, it also provides excellent wood penetrating protection against the sun and all damaging weather [], [] assumed it would. Apply the stain or sealer on a dry day when the temperature is above 50 degrees F. Don't apply it in direct sunlight. Some even require a particular temperature or humidity level during application. person will not be tolerated. You can apply a top coat of clear varnish to add extra durability and longevity to your bedside table. For the best results with deck stains, the wood should be completely cleaned and dry. Semi-transparent deck stains are typically very light in consistency and are applied with a thin coat. High 86F. Do you mean: sand, wood conditioner, stain, poly, sand, poly, sand, poly, sand, sand, wood conditioner, mix of stain and poly and mineral, sand (repeat). If it's pine sand it thoroughly with 220. If you found this article of value, please share it with others. Polyshades and similar products are cruel lies told to take advantage of the inexperienced. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. There are different types of sealants for decks. Just like the stain this product is also available in water-based and oil-based, when using stain & varnish likeCabots Stain & Varnish Water Basedno top coat is required as the product has built in protection which will resist stains and scratches, it also enhances timber grain and is low odour. A sealer is ideal for cedar, teak, and mahogany where seeing the natural color and grain are important. If the stain is oil based, try applying enough stain to the area to cover up the mark. Others are solid color that form a film and hide the wood grain. Also, be sure to rinse the wood after sanding as any sawdust left on the wood can create an uneven appearance after staining. I'd use whatever stain your local store carries, but if it's oil-based then you'll need to let it cure thoroughly before using a waterborne topcoat. This means your wooden deck will need to be re-stained more frequently. By considering your wood type, required protection level, and preparation, youll find the perfect stain for your exterior wood surfaces. The thicker the color, the more UV protection it provides. A sealer for a wooden deck is not the same as a stain, even though they both will protect the wood from the elements. Pre stain conditioners are used for woods like cherry, and maple, which can have severe variations in color due to the way they grow. If sanding is necessary, be sure to use a coarse grit sandpaper and lightly sand the surface of the wood. The wood type youre going to be working with is very important to consider when choosing an exterior wood stain. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. The sun can dry the natural oils found in wood, causing it to gray, dry out, split, crack, or check. -- Judy H., Waycross, Ga. A: It's really up to you. The look you are after will determine whether or not you use just a Stain (which adds colour) or a Stain & Varnish (which will help seal and protect the bedside table). Thompsons Stain protects wood from mildew, moisture, and UV damage. It can be applied to clean dry or damp wood and dries in approximately 2-hours. To choose the proper exterior wood stain for your deck, there are several factors youll need to consider. Whether you need small repair jobs such as fixing a loose board, or large repair jobs such as re-decking the entire area of the deck, the professionals at DeckMaster will do the job right. Deck stains on horizontal surfaces will need to be reapplied more frequently than those on vertical surfaces. This gives the wood protection against harmful UV rays. Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated. Water-based exterior stains are made from a combination of acrylic or latex resins, stabilizers, and pigments for color. Conditioners help mute that effect. Sand the new base boards before staining or clear coating. Wood Toner is almost clear with a hint of wood tone or color cedar, teak, mahogany, and oak to slightly color the deck boards in a more uniform or desirable tone. DeckMaster provides high quality deck & fence cleaning, sealing, construction and repair services in Montgomery County, Maryland: Gaithersburg, Germantown, Darnestown, Potomac, Bethesda, Rockville, Kensington, Chevy Chase, Wheaton, Silver Spring, Aspen Hill, Colesville, Boyds, Damascus, Clarksburg, Montgomery Village, Laytonsville, Burtonsville, Ashton, Poolsville. Once the wood dries out, it is easy for insects, mold, and mildew to damage the wood. They offer better UV protection than semi-transparents, but they dont penetrate as well, and will form a film, which could lead to peeling. Be sure the plastic doesnt lay directly on the wood. Deck or fence sealers are usually a clear/transparent finish that coats the outside surface of the wood. Use a conditioner on pine. On the other hand, some stains can be easily applied on top of an existing stain with little to no prep work at all. If the finish puddles up, use another roller or a broom to spread out the puddles. Its important to always know what youre working with when delving into a new staining project. We have years of experience building decks in a variety of types of wood as well as composite wood (such as Trex). Exterior wood stains are the perfect remedy for wood exposed to the elements on patios, homes, and outdoor furniture. If you need a new deck built from scratch, DeckMaster is the right team to call. The longer you wait to seal or stain your deck, the more damage to your investment. Both are products that are designed to protect your wood, so either choice is better than nothing at all. Sprinkling a small amount of water on the wood is a good way to check if it is ready to be sealed or stained. Don't Threaten. Frederick County, Maryland: Frederick, Mount Airy, Urbana. Phone: (240) 404-0207Toll-Free: (888) 903-3257Email: cservice@deckmaster-us.com. Both work well for different applications. Make sure to concentrate the thinner to the specific area you want to lighten. At the end of the day if you want to save time, money and change the colour of the timber the best product we would recommend you use for your project would be Cabots Stain & Varnish Water Based. The one exception to this is solid color wood stains. Three coats gave a deep and glossy finish which looks good from afar, but up close its uneven and drippy all around the edges (admittedly partly my fault). Like the name suggests, a wood stain contains pigments that physically change the woods color. Yeah, I once used an oil-based stain on thoroughly sanded (to 220 grit) pine floorboards and it was a DISASTER. Wood deck stains can be categorized by both their transparency and base. Adding stain over the sealer will have the same results. pine, and birch are the most common that I know about. Multiple color and tint choices and hides wood discoloration, Surface to be stained should be washed and let dry, May take multiple applications to get desired tone or color. They offer minimal protection since they dont have any pigments, but theyre a great choice for those wanting to retain the natural look of their wood. Applying a stain is a bit trickier than sealers, and is best left to professionals. It will last 2 to 3 years between applications. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Deck sealing will protect the wood from splitting, cracking, moisture, mildew, and rot while maintaining the color and grain of the wood. Water based stains will typically offer superior mold and mildew resistance, UV protection and waterproofing wood. If you see areas where the stain isnt soaking in, try using a soft-bristle push broom or car wash brush to spread the stain around. Stains also have the same beneficial water-repelling qualities. They can be applied to horizontal and vertical wooden surfaces and structures, and even outdoor furniture. Although water-based stains share similar qualities with house paint, water-based stains are thinner and better penetrate the wood. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); *Deck Stain Pro is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. To start, a weaker chemical stripper is a better idea. Additionally, if your deck is located in a humid climate, or surrounded by trees, you may consider a water-based stain as oil-based stains tend to attract mold and mildew. If you feel a second coat is needed, apply it in the same way, very thinly. I used PolyShades on a desk top a couple weeks ago. However, they dont have a pigment to protect against wood graying UV rays and sun damage. It soaks into the wood grain, sealing it to prevent moisture damage, mold, mildew, and rot. Complex, hidden grain patterns lie under the surface, and they might never be found without the use of stain. Polyshades is not the best, but it's good in a pinch. If you've already returned from the hardware store, you're just going to have to go back. That is the question we will be answering in this article as we [], [] can expect your wood deck to fade and turn gray over time. Typically, these types of stains are better for vertical surfaces such as fences or siding. The stain will cover between 150 to 400 ft and last up to 3-years on horizontal surfaces and 4-years on siding and fences. Checking For Contaminants And Lead Testing. Another wood stain option for your deck is emulsified oil plus acrylic. With pressure washers, be sure to only use no more than 1500 PSI and dont allow the nozzle to get too close to the wood as this can cause permanent damage to your wooden deck. The more solid stain also minimizes the effect of UV rays and sun damage. We'd love to hear eyewitness Alternatively, sanding the wood can also help. If youre stuck in a sticky situation, here are some simple remedies to save yourself. I was hoping to find a stain/finishing product that will work for both applications, however, I now think I need to approach each differently. Well known for being a great penetrating stain, oil-based stains will seep deep into your wooden deck. Since you've just purchased the house and might not know when the deck was last maintained, consider having a professional deck contractor inspect it. If youre using an oil based stain, and find dark spots on your wooden surface creating more unevenness, try using a stain thinner. Unfortunately, wood sealers contain very limited UV protection. Stain & Varnish adds rich colour to timber AND preserves the stain by protecting it with a highly durable clear finish. The right level of opacity depends on the type of surface and your personal preference. Sometimes, the stain as a whole just might not cut it. Tiny bits will come off on the wood and discolour your trim with rust. If the humidity levels are high, you can try covering the deck with plastic tarps to protect from rainfall while the wood is drying. The longer you wait, the more faded the wood will become, and the more furry the board surface. racist or sexually-oriented language. You also have to be very VERY diligent with sanding because the tinted poly fills in any minute scratches left from the coarse or medium grits. Have more questions? Solid Stains (Opaque) has the richest color and hides the grain the most.