How To Restain a Deck | How To Restain a Deck Without Stripping| Difference Between Paint Vs Stain

How To Restain a Deck Without Stripping | Difference Between Paint and Stain

How To Restain a Deck

Every home needs a deck to take the place of a backyard. A deck provides a great place to lay out a picnic blanket or a hammock and watch clouds go by in the sky.

Unfortunately, over time, a deck will start to show its age. The wood will start to darken, and the wood will not be as sturdy as it once was.

If you want to prevent this from happening to your deck, and you don’t want it to look dirty and old, it is best to stain it.

Steps on How to Restain a Deck

If you are ready to revitalize your deck, follow these steps:

Step one is to find the right product for your deck. Gather some information about your deck to make sure that you know what the best option is for you

Make sure you pick the right stain. Picking the best deck stain for your needs can be a difficult endeavor to undertake. There are different types of stains, so make sure to read the labels and descriptions.

If you want a dark stain (such as mahogany), there are also products that will make the wood lighter in color, such as walnut, which is still dark enough to get the job done.

Step two is to make sure you have the right tools to do the job. A few different tools that may be necessary include: a paint roller, painter’s tape, a paint brush, a paint tray, and a gloss guide.

Step three is to check for surface irregularities and mark them off. This is important because the stain will not cover every part of the deck.

Ensure that there is nothing on your deck (chairs, tables, etc.) that is going to prevent you from using it for a stable surface.

Step four is to apply the stain evenly over an area of the deck using a brush or roller.

Step five is to allow the coat of stain to dry before applying another coat of stain, then allow it to dry completely before applying another coat of stain.

Step six is to apply the clear protective coating using a paint roller or paint brush and make sure you cover all parts of the deck.

Do I Need to Remove Old Stain Before Restaining a Deck?

While it is essential that a deck be protected from the elements, applying stain to an unclean surface might exacerbate the situation. The wood should be clear of dust, mold, mildew, graying, and any old fading stains before applying a deck stain.

A clean, bare wood surface will absorb the new stain, ensuring that it performs and protects as intended.

When applied to a clean surface, a stain will not only protect but will also aid to enhance the beauty of the wood, giving a magnificent finish.

Deck stains can be difficult to apply, and it is not always necessary to remove the old stain before applying a new one. If your deck has been recently stained, then it may be best to simply add more of the same color rather than removing the old coat first. If your deck was stained with another product in addition to wood preservative (such as paint), then you will need to strip down any previous coats before re-staining.

In general, if there is no visible peeling on your deck surface and no other products were used besides wood preservative (i.e., paint), then you will only need to lightly sand areas where minor damage has occurred.

This will ensure that the new coat of stain will form a smooth finish with no bare areas.

After you have stained your deck, then you must apply a sealer to protect the wood from further decay and prevent it from deteriorating before too long.

A sealer will help restore the wood so that it can be more resistant to the elements, such as rain, humidity, and heat.

Restain a Deck FAQs

1. What is the difference between paint and stain?

A: Stain is a more consistent color, which will help enhance the natural grain of the wood. Paint will add a surface finish to the deck that has faint coloring.

2. Do I need to remove old stain before restaining my deck?

A: Having old stains on your deck can sometimes make it difficult for you to get a smooth finish and clean looking finish when applying your new coat of stain.

Natural wood has different conditions with each season (dry or wet weather). The surface of the wood needs to be clean and free of dust, dirt, mold, mildew, and graying.

If you are applying a stain or paint to an old deck that already has stains on it, you may have difficulty removing the old stains from the deck so that the new stain can take its place. It is best to find a new wood preservative before you apply any stains or paints.

3. How do I know which wood stain to choose?

A: The type of stain you choose to use will depend on the look that you want to achieve. If you want a dark stain then you can use walnut. Walnut may not offer the same water resistance as mahogany or redwood, but it is still a great choice.

You can also use a clear stain if you want to protect the wood from the elements and still have a natural wood texture. It is important that you read the labels on your stain or paint so that you know which one will work best for your wood.

4. How much stain will I need?

A: The amount of stains or paints needed will depend on how large your deck is. The area that you are trying to cover will also make a difference in how much stain or paint is needed.

If you want to stain your deck, then you should make at least two coats. If you want to paint your deck, then you can do as many coats as necessary since paint dries faster than stain.

Also, if you want a perfect match on your wood deck, then read the labels on the product that you are buying so that it matches perfectly with the wood of your deck.

5. How do I apply a wood preservative?

A: Applying a wood preservative shouldn’t be difficult, but it is still essential that you do it correctly for maximum results.

First, you will need to make sure your deck is completely clean and free of debris. This will ensure that the new coat of stain can adhere properly to the surface without any problems.

Next, you will want to start with one side of your deck and work your way around it. You can use a brush or roller to apply the stain evenly across the surface.

Step one is to completely clean your deck of dirt, debris, mold, mildew, and graying. This will ensure that your deck is ready for the new coat of stain.

Step two is to apply one coat of your wood preservative onto the wood with a paint brush. You will want to work from the bottom up in order to prevent it from dripping down off of the deck.

If you are going to paint your deck, then it is best to only use one coat of wood preservative since paint tends to dry faster than stain.

You will need to allow the wood preservative coat to dry completely before applying another coat. It is also essential that you apply the wood preservative in a well-ventilated area, away from any heat sources or direct sunlight.

6. How do I apply a clear finish?

A: Choosing a clear finish can really add the final touch to your deck. You can use a clear finish for both residential and commercial decks.

You also have the option of using a semi-gloss or gloss finish for your clear finish. If you choose to use a flat finish then it will look like an oiled stain.

There are different ways that you could apply a clear finish to your deck. You could spray it on with an aerosol sprayer or you could paint it on with a brush or roller.

It is important that you read the labels on the clear finish so that you know exactly how much to use.

You will also want to keep in mind that your clear finish will harden and dry out extremely quickly so you must be careful not to get any on your deck’s railing or steps.

7. Do I need to seal a deck before applying a clear finish?

A: There are some people that think that you should never use a clear finish on a wood deck, but the truth is that it can be an effective way of enhancing it.

If you want to avoid peeling then you will want to seal your deck once the clear finish has dried. A sealer can be used in conjunction with a paint or stain and can provide additional protection from the elements and moisture.

8. How do I seal my deck?

A: If you have already applied a coat of stain or a paint then you will need to make sure your deck is free and clear of any debris before sealing it.

You will also need to make sure that the surface is completely dry before you seal it. If there are any spots that still have moisture, then you can apply some low-heat hair dryer to them until they dry out thoroughly.

9. How do I make my deck stain last longer?

A: You will want to make sure that you are using the right type of deck for your area. If you have a wood deck that gets too much sun then it will wear out faster than if you had one that was in the shade.

You will also want to apply a sealer to your deck once a year so that it can last longer. You can seal the deck with a paint or stain that is meant for use on decks.

10. Can I use wood preservative on a synthetic deck?

A: The truth is that you won’t want to use any of the same treatment that you would use on your real wood deck in order to preserve it.

There are different types of stains and finishes made specifically for synthetic wood decks so you will have to read the labels before you apply any of them.

11. What’s the best way to wash my deck?

A: If you want your wood deck to stay beautiful and in good condition for as long as possible, then you will want to make sure that you are using water and soap that is appropriate for a deck.

The water and soap that you use must be made specifically for wood decks. The main thing that you should do is to wash it once a month with a mild dish soap.

12. How do I ensure that my furniture stays on the deck?

A: There are many different items that can be used to keep your furniture in place while you are out on your deck. You can use a table pad and chair pads to keep them in place.

Table pads come in many different colors and sizes so you will be able to find one that matches your deck furniture. Chair pads are an excellent solution if you have a rustic or western theme going on with your deck.

13. What makes a good deck stain?

A: There are many different ways to go when it comes to choosing the right kind of wood stain. You can use a solid deck stain, an oil-based or water-based, a water repellent, or one that is pre-mixed for staining decks.

There are also many different options when it comes to deciding what color you want your deck. You will need to decide on this early on in order to make sure that you have enough stain leftover.

14. What is the best deck stain for oil-based stains?

A: You will want to make sure that your deck stain is water-based and should stay clear until applied. You will also want to make sure that it is dilute and then mixed in a clean bucket.

The stain should be mixed diligently with a stiff brush or squeegee in order to avoid streaks or runs. You will need to find an area of your deck that you want the stain applied before beginning.

15. How long does it take to stain a deck?

A: If you are going with a water-based deck stain then it will take almost as long as you are willing to wait.

You should plan on taking at least two hours for the whole job. You will have to allow the first coat of your stain to dry completely before applying another one.

16. What is the best way to stain a deck?

A: There are two different ways that you could go about this. The first would be to use a brush and then apply the entire deck at once.

This means that you are going to have to remove all of the existing stain early on in order to start from scratch.

The other method would be to apply one coat of stain at a time. If you choose this method then there is less chance of spreading throughout your deck so you will have to watch it more closely.

17. Can I use water-based deck stain with oil-based stain?

A: There is no reason why you can’t use a water-based stain with an oil based one. However, you will want to make sure that they are mixed properly when you try to use them together.

You should only apply water-based stains in the morning and then let them dry completely until the next day.

Then apply another coat of oil-based stains for each area that you wish to color. You will want to use a paintbrush or a brush for the wood and a roll-on applicator for the concrete.

18. What makes a good oil-based deck stain?

A: The first thing that you should keep in mind is that you will need to use an oil-based stain. It can be difficult to get the stain completely off once it has dried which is why you will want to make sure that it goes on correctly at first and then you should let it sit.

One of the best oil-based deck stains is one that has been pre-mixed with hardener. This is great for anyone that is looking to save time and money.

19. How often to restain deck?

A: Decks should be refinished every two to three years. As long as you leave it on long enough to ensure that it is completely dry you will have no problem keeping it looking nice. You will want to give it at least two to three years before removing any of the stains and applying another coat.

20. Will a pressure washer remove old deck stain?

A: Pressure washers will help you to remove old stains from your deck but they will not be able to get rid of oil-based stains. You will want to make sure that you use a type of cleaning that is meant for cleaning decks.

21. What is the best way to clean my deck?

A: The truth is that there are many different ways that you could clean your deck. You could use vinegar and water, or one of the number of different products specifically designed for decks and outdoor patio surfaces.

Your best bet is to take your deck outside and give it a good scrub with a stiff brush. You will want to make sure that you are using the right kind of soap and water.

22. What kind of deck cleaner do I need?

A: There are many different kinds of cleaners that you could use on your deck. Many of them are made specifically for decks or other wooden surfaces while others have been designed for concrete patios, sidewalks or other kinds of concrete structures.

You will want to be careful when you are looking for the right kind of product because you don’t want to end up damaging your deck.

23. How do I protect my wood deck from water damage?

A: You can use sealants and paints that will protect your deck from water damage depending on what kind of finish it is. If your deck is already sealed then you don’t need to worry about this step.

24. How long does a good deck paint last?

A: You will want to use paint that has a high level of protection when your deck is painted. You can find different kinds of deck paint that are designed for different uses but all of them will protect the wood from deterioration.

With most good paints you should be able to get at least five years’ worth of service out of them before you will need to repaint the deck.

25. How do I restain a deck without stripping?

A: If you have never painted a deck before then you will want to start by removing all of the old paint. You can do this with cold chisels, brushes or any other means that you choose.

You will want to use ammonia after applying any kind of oil-based stain because it can help to remove the existing paint.

If there is some specific wood that you are worried about then you will want to make sure that you use a pre-stain conditioner. You will use a paint roller to apply the paint in the same way that you would with any other kind of deck.

26. How long does it take to stain a deck?

A: The truth is that if you are going to get good results then you will need at least two full days of time to complete your project.

You can add more coats if needed but it won’t be necessary as much as with other types of decks or wooden surfaces.

27. How long does deck stain take to completely dry?

This will depend on the type of deck paint that you are using. If you are using a spray-on product then you should be able to see a difference in color within 24 hours after it dries.

If you are using a brush or roller, then it could take up to two weeks before you notice any changes in color.