Your deck provides additional premium living space that allows you to make the most of Victoria’s warmer weather. However, your deck is put through its paces over time, which requires proper staining to protect against the elements.
In this article, we will look at the art of staining decks, with everything you need to know to preserve the wood’s natural beauty.
Choose a Stain for the Right Look
This is your chance for a deck makeover with so many modern stain colours available. You can create a natural look with neutral stains or go for something more edgy and stylish with deeper stains in charcoal or black just by searching “house painters near me”.
Adding more colour is also becoming popular, with trends leaning towards deep blues and greens. Darker stains help hide wear and tear, and might age better if you want a lower-maintenance stain. Lighter shades of grey provide a more “Scandi” look, or can be used to mimic barnboard.
Warmer, natural stains are also popular, providing rustic sophistication. Some homeowners are even creating patterns ranging from herringbone to checkerboard using contrasting stains.
Start With a Thorough Inspection
Understanding your deck’s condition will determine what preparation work is required. By taking care of repairs first, you’ll help restore and maintain your deck’s integrity.
To begin, clear your deck of planters, stored items, removable gazebos, furniture, etc., to give you a clear view of the entire surface. Then, look for signs of damage, including the following:
- Wood rot, such as flaking or disintegrating wood
- Cracked and warped boards that require replacement
- Loose screws and connectors
- Mould and mildew
- Rotted-out knots
Contending With Mould and Mildew
Unfortunately, Victoria decks are susceptible to mould and mildew caused by high moisture. The presence of mould and mildew requires a specific treatment using a solution of water and mildewcide to kill the existing growth and help prevent it from returning.
Although you can use a pressure washer first to help remove growth, treating the wood will prevent recurring growth. If you don’t treat mould and mildew properly, not only will your deck be unsightly, but also the new stain will be compromised, undoing all your hard work.
Pressure Washing Your Deck
Mould and mildew aside, pressure washing is a basic step to help prepare your deck for new stains. It removes all the ingrained dirt, growth, and old paint or stain, allowing the new stain to absorb evenly. However, caution is key when using a pressure washer. If the pressure is too high, you can actually cause more harm than good.
It might make more sense to hire a professional to clean your deck to avoid damage. In fact, our team includes this step as part of our standard deck-staining service to ensure the wood is ready for the stain.
Stripping Old Stains/Paint
If you’re not staining a new deck, pressure washing is followed by stripping to remove any traces of old stain or paint. The best way to do this is to start with a paint stripper or wood cleaner, carefully following product instructions to see the best results.
These agents are designed to penetrate the old finish, so it easily lifts away from the wood. Then, you can either scrape it off or use a pressure washer to remove it. This ensures you have clear access to the wood surface for a smooth, even appearance and proper stain application.
Replacing Damaged Boards
You want to reduce the risk of trips and falls, or worse, someone falling right through your deck, by replacing damaged boards prior to staining. Boards that are severely damaged or that have signs of rot can be easily removed without compromising the rest of your deck, and then replaced with new wood. Although the new boards will stand out a bit, once the new stain is applied, you’ll create a more uniform look.
Keeping Boards Sound and Secure
Although boards in good condition help create a sound deck, your deck is only as sturdy as the screws and nails that hold it together! Replacing loose, rusty, or damaged screws and nails helps create a safer deck as an essential step in the deck restoration and staining process.
Filling Gaps and Cracks
Although severely damaged boards must be replaced, you can repair minor damage, such as cracks, old nail holes, and gaps, using an exterior-grade wood filler. Apply it following the product instructions to ensure you allow enough time for the filler to dry and cure completely so it’s ready for sanding and staining.
You’ll create a smoother, more professional finish with wood filler, but you don’t have to worry about filling every little natural crack or hole with the help of “interior painters near me” searches.
Sanding
Sanding is not a step you should skip! It is essential to ensure the wood absorbs the stain for a lasting finish and optimized deck protection. Medium-grit sandpaper is the best choice to avoid oversanding or damaging the wood.
Protecting Surrounding Surfaces
As the name implies, stain is designed to alter the colour of surfaces. As a result, you want to carefully tape off any surrounding surfaces, such as brick, siding, and anything affixed to your deck, like the legs of a gazebo or pergola, to protect them from damage.
Using Brightener
Brightener helps reduce the aged appearance of greying, older decks that have been discoloured over time. It’s not a necessary step, but it can help get the proper tone of the stain you’ve chosen on overly weather-beaten boards. It might also be a good option if you are replacing several boards and you’re concerned about the contrast between the old and new wood.
Application and Seal
The final stage is applying and sealing the stain. Use a stain-appropriate brush on railings, corners, and edges for proper coverage on the deck details. You can then finish the job using a roller or sprayer on the main, flat areas of the deck to quickly and evenly cover larger areas.
You might require a few coats, depending on how well the stain covers and the depth of colour you wish to achieve. Also, some stains require a sealer while others don’t, so read the packaging carefully.
When it comes to deck staining, you want a quality job with proper preparation work to ensure you can prolong its lifespan and enjoy your outdoor space for years to come. If you don’t have the time or desire to do it yourself, hiring house painters near you is a worthwhile investment.
Expert Victoria House Painters Near You
Parkside Painting is one of the top companies for “house painters near me” searches in Victoria. Our honest, professional painters strive to deliver a great customer experience with exceptional communication, affordable prices, and 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
For a free quote, call us at 250-891-2999 or contact us online.
