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A: It’s really up to you. Just staining the deck will give you the color you want, although in high-traffic areas the stain could wear away quickly. The advantage of this, they say, is the sealer provides additional protection against water and weather damage, while the stain helps reduce fading from UV rays.
What is better sealing or staining 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.
What is the best way to protect a wood deck?
Sealant, stain, and paint can all be applied to a deck for different degrees of protection. Sealants are primarily used to protect against moisture damage. Stains always include pigmentation, which adds color to the deck and helps protect against UV damage.
What is the best thing to seal a deck with?
BEST OVERALL: SEAL-ONCE MARINE Wood Sealer, Waterproofer & Stain. RUNNER UP: Rust-Oleum Ultimate Spar Urethane. BEST FOR WATERPROOFING: Thompson’s Water Seal VOC Wood Protector. EASIEST TO USE: Eco Advance Wood Siloxane Waterproofer Concentrate.
Is it better to stain or seal pressure-treated wood?
Pressure-Treated Wood Needs Protection Applying stain to pressure-treated wood offers an additional level of protection that homeowners don’t want to be without. Stain offers another layer of much-needed protection from insects and decay, as well as from mold and mildew.
Does staining a deck seal it?
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.
Should you put a sealer over stain?
Applying a topcoat sealer is not required, but a finish protects the stained wood from scratches and keeps it from fading over time. If applying a polyurethane finish with a brush, apply one to two coats. If using a spray can, hold 8 to 12 inches from the surface and apply two or three light coats.
Is Thompson’s water Seal any good?
– Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Clear did not alter or change the appearance of the wood. After full drying, we tested the ability to repel water. Water did bead on top of the finish and did not absorb into the wood. – As far as we can tell, Thompson’s® WaterSeal® does not prevent UV graying at all.
Do I need to seal my deck every year?
For most decks, sealing once each year is a good rule of thumb. Depending on the condition of your deck this can be adjusted, but keep in mind that you should never go beyond three years maximum before re-sealing and staining.
What is the best sealant for pressure treated wood?
Best Deck Sealers for Pressure-treated Wood Ready Seal 520 Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood. SEAL-ONCE Nano+Poly Ready Mix Penetrating Wood Sealer. #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain for Decks. Thompsons Waterseal Solid Waterproofing Stain. Eco Advance Wood Siloxane Waterproofer Concentrate.
What is the best way to apply Thompson’s water seal?
The fastest way to apply is with a pump-up sprayer (using a coarse setting), but you can also apply with a brush or a roller. You should apply liberally. In the case of areas with heavy discoloration or dirt, apply a second coat, brush lightly with a broom and hose off.
What goes on first stain or sealer?
Once you’ve chosen a sealant strength, apply it to the end grain before you stain. Sand off any sealer that gets on the face of the board before you stain.
How often should you seal your deck?
You should reapply wood sealer at least every three years. In many cases, you need to seal a wood deck once a year. The more foot traffic and sun exposure your deck gets, the more often you need to apply deck sealant.
How long do you have to wait to seal pressure treated wood?
A newly built deck that uses pressurized wood will need time to dry completely before a sealer can be applied. The chemicals used to treat the wood leave moisture behind, and depending on the climate, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months until it’s dry enough to seal.
How do you make wood waterproof?
There are three surefire ways to waterproof your wood for years to come. Use linseed or Tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed finish. Seal the wood with coating of polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer. Finish and waterproof wood simultaneously with a stain-sealant combo.
How long will pressure treated wood last in the ground?
It depends on the climate, the type of wood, its uses, and how well it’s maintained. While pressure treated poles can stay up to 40 years without any signs of rot or decay, decks and flooring might only last around 10 years.
What is the longest lasting deck stain?
Solid. Just like regular paint, solid stains hide the grain of wood, and the best should last three to five years on a deck, the longest of the three types of stains.
How many coats of stain should 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 I sand or power wash my deck?
Splintered, cracking, or just plain rough wood should be sanded first, then pressure washed to open the wood’s pores and allow penetration of the stain. Deeply grooved wood that has mold, moss and other growing things filling the cracks will need treatment with a deck and siding cleaner.
Should I polyurethane over stain?
Do I have to apply a clear coat after staining? While staining creates a rich, deep color that highlights natural wood grain, it does not provide long-term protection. A polyurethane top coat protects the wood from scratches, stains and water damage.
What happens if you don’t seal stained wood?
A: If you don’t apply some kind of sealer the wood will be dried-out and lifeless. When you rub stain into wood, it brings out the grain pattern and gives the wood a more dramatic look. The final step in staining wood is to wipe off any excess, so the process leaves nothing behind.
Will stain rub off if not sealed?
Once dry, the stain won’t rub off on the bedding. However, a sealer of some sort (polyurethane, shellac, etc.) will make the surface much easier to clean, resist staining, & wear better, etc.
