Table of Contents
How do you prepare exterior wood for staining?
Preparing. Before you apply stain, make sure the surface is clean (no dust, dirt, wood fibers or grease), dry and free from mildew. When a surface is not clean, stains and other finishes have trouble sticking and may end up peeling. You can remove dirt with warm water and detergent, but mildew problems require more.
What is the best way to apply exterior stain?
Helpful Stain Application Tips Apply stain only at the proper temperature. Avoid high humidity and staining on hot surfaces. Apply stain by brushing or wiping it in the direction of the grain, using smooth, even strokes. Avoid unattractive lap marks by applying stain from an unstained area back into the last wet stain.
Does exterior stain need a primer?
A primer should not be necessary on rough-sawn surfaces, where solid stains perform best. However, a good alkyd primer is recommended for cedar and redwood and will increase the lifespan of the stain on any wood surface. Primer will also change the look of the stain, making it more opaque like paint.
Do you need to prime wood before you stain it?
As you may know, Primers are preparatory coatings that should be used before painting or staining with a solid color. It is key to note that Primers are not a necessity for a wood stain treatment, especially when the desired finish is meant to show the actual wood grain.
Do I need to seal after staining wood?
Yes, sealing wood after staining it is essential to protect it from damage and discoloration from foods, liquids, human touch, and piercing objects. While wood stain may seal the pores and offer some protection from moisture and water damage, its primary purpose is to color natural wood.
How do you make wood last outside?
The only way to properly use untreated wood of any type outside is with the addition of water-repellent preservatives, sealer or paint that contain UV protection. Over-the-counter wood preservatives are available in clear versions, or with stain containing pigment or dye to color the wood.
Does outdoor wood stain need to be sealed?
Most of the time, stains also contain a protective sealant. It’s a good idea, though, to re-seal your deck (or check that it needs to be re-sealed) once a year. Water-based stains can adhere to water or oil-based coatings already present on the wooden surface. Water-based stains can be cleaned up with water.
How warm does it need to be to stain wood?
The ideal temperature range for application is between 50 and 80 degrees. And, it is important to choose a day when no rain is expected for 24 hours.
Is paint or stain better for exterior wood?
Paints vs. The advantage to stain is that it will expand and contract more with the wood, enduring the changing weather better. Stain is also more breathable, allowing natural airflow through the wood. Paint will dry in a thicker coat, providing a more substantial barrier.
When can you stain outside?
As a rule of thumb, wait at least three days after a rainfall or washing before starting your job, or use an electronic moisture meter to be sure. Hold off on staining new wood surfaces for at least a month.
Should I power wash my house before staining?
Taking your time is key to power washing a deck successfully. Now that the wood has been cleaned and stripped of grime, you can sand it and apply your stain of choice. Power washing a deck before staining will allow the wood to absorb the stain better and deeper.
Should wood be sanded before staining?
Sand Thoroughly The best way to stain wood is to prepare the wood surface by sanding it with a sanding block or orbital sander. Sandpaper with a lower grit number will make wood rougher, allowing more stain to absorb and create a darker color.
How long will exterior stain last?
Done right, an exterior paint job can last 10 years; stain needs to be reapplied more often, anywhere from two to 10 years, depending on the type of stain. One key to how long an exterior finish lasts is how well the surface is prepared.
What grit sandpaper should I use before staining wood?
On most raw woods, start sanding in the direction of the grain using a #120-150 grit paper before staining and work up to #220 grit paper. Soft woods such as pine and alder: start with #120 and finish with no finer than #220 (for water base stains) and 180 grit for oil base stains.
Do you sand after staining wood?
You should not sand after staining. Keep in mind that stain is not a durable finish and requires a clear finish over it. To stain properly you should first sand the wood, then dampen it with a barely-wet sponge, allow it to dry, and sand again… then apply the stain.
What happens if you don’t wipe off wood stain?
Wood stain is designed to penetrate into the grain of the wood, not to remain on the surface. If you happen to spread it too thickly, or you forget to wipe off excess, the material that remains on the surface will become sticky.
