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PREP – Wait 4-8 weeks after new deck is built. Sweep away any leaves or other debris. WATER DROP TEST – Deck is ready when droplets are absorbed. STAIN – Apply even coat with wood grain. Work in with brush. Wait 4 hours between coats. Wait 24-48 hours before enjoying.
Does a new deck need to be cleaned before staining?
In short, yes. It is highly recommended to use a deck cleaner when prepping your deck for a new coat of deck stain. Also, recommended but not required is the use of a deck brightener before staining your deck. You can then rinse off the deck with your hose.
Can you stain a new deck?
When to Stain a New Deck Generally, all new decks should dry out for at least 30 days before stain or paint is applied. Although a finish can be applied immediately after construction, more work is involved, so it’s best to let the wood fully dry before finishing.
Do I have to sand my deck before staining?
Once dry, these wood fibers can remain raised and may cause splinters. For this reason, light but thoroughly sanding your wood deck is a necessary step before staining or sealing. This crucial step will ensure that your refinishing job gives great results.
How do you clean a new deck before sealing?
DO repair, wash, and sand your deck before sealing. Then, wash the deck using a power-washer to scrub the surface clean. Allow to dry for 24 hours, then sand the surface with between a 60 to 150 grit sandpaper or sanding disk.
How long should you wait before staining a new deck?
Depending on the wood and drying conditions, you should usually wait 4 to 8 weeks after installation before staining a deck.
What happens if you stain a new deck too soon?
Staining too soon can lead to the stain not being absorbed by the wood and result in a patchy and failed upgrade for your deck. Make sure the wood has dropped all of the excess moisture before trying to apply stain. Test to make sure that water is absorbed by the wood which ensures this drying process is done.
What happens if you don’t sand before staining?
You need a smooth surface with no blemishes because stain will highlight scratches and dings in the wood. Always sand down to clean wood (if you have enough meat left of the wood) before applying any stain. Too fine and the wood won’t be able to accept the stain.
Do you sand or clean deck first?
It is important, to begin with, a power sander and always finish by hand to reach difficult areas. Remember no more than 60 or 80 grit paper. The next step is to clean the wood thoroughly after the sanding. Deck cleaners, also known as deck wash are used to lift dirt and unsightly mildew which accumulates over time.
How do you seal a brand new deck?
Applying Deck Sealer to a Wood Deck Step 1: Check the forecast. Step 2: Clear the deck. Step 3: Sand (if needed) Step 4: Remove debris. Step 5: Stir sealer. Step 6: Apply sealer. Step 7: Repeat & fine tune. Step 8: Let it dry.
Do you need to apply a sealer after staining a deck?
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.
Is it better to stain or seal a deck?
Sealing a deck is best for cedar, teak, mahogany, or other quality woods as it enhances the wood grain and natural color. Staining a deck protects the wood from mold, mildew, moisture, and rot, and UV rays and sun damage.
How many coats of stain do you put on a deck?
The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much deck stain as the wood can absorb. Typically this will be 2 coats, unless your dealing with extremely dense hardwoods which may only be able to absorb 1 coat of wood stain.
Should you sand pressure treated wood before staining?
Sanding pressure-treated wood is actually contraindicated because, as Sand & Stain warns, you’ll end up partially removing the protective coating created by the pressure treatment, and the wood will look terrible. Once the wood has dried completely, it’s ready for a coat of transparent or semitransparent stain.
How soon can you stain pressure treated wood?
How long do you have to wait to stain pressure treated wood? Wait until the wood is completely dry. Depending on climate conditions, pressure-treated wood can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Do I need to use mineral spirits before staining?
Cleaning wood with mineral spirits before staining is a common practice. Mineral spirits make an excellent cleaning agent for wood, especially when preparing to finish it by staining or painting. After you have sanded the wood, soak a cloth in mineral spirits. Then wipe down your dusty surface, and you are good to go.
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.
