Don't Make These Mistakes When Staining Your Deck (And How to Do It Right).

We use Sherwin-Williams exterior wood stain for it's quality and longevity.

Staining in Utah's Climate is Difficult

A well-stained deck can be one of the most appealing features of your home when done right. But staining is as much an art as a science and careful application of it can lead to years of beautiful protection. Staining is an important part of protecting your home from destructive UV rays and volatile weather. In Utah your deck is going to get pelted by hail and scorched by the sun on the same day so it's best to stain it right the first time.

So read on if you want to learn more about what mistakes to avoid when staining your deck, and what to do instead.

1. Not Preparing the Deck's Surface

Stain is only as good as the surface it is being applied to. Stain works best at bonding to wood that is dry and properly sanded. Stain is meant to seal away the surface underneath and that includes any mistakes you make. If you forget to sand away any old stain, mildew, or dirt you'll get a worse finish and potentially trap destructive moisture.

Tip: When using a power washer let the surface dry for 24-48 hours and then sand away any splinters and rough spots.

2. Applying Stain to Wet Wood

When stain is applied to wood that is too wet it won't adhere evenly, causing the stain to peel and look blotchy. Since Utah is a desert we don't have to worry about humidity as much here but it's still important to pay attention to the weather. If rain is on the horizon it might be better to find a different project to do inside the house instead.

Tip: Look at your weather forecast for the week and try to plan your staining project 2-3 days after potential rain instead of before.

3. Staining in Direct Sunlight and Hot Temperatures

Even a day without clouds can present problems when staining. Be careful especially during the summer months about where and when you're staining. If it gets too hot the stain will dry too quickly creating an uneven finish. However, if you have some shade or do your staining in the morning or afternoon you can get your staining done even on the hottest days. And on the plus side it's just a better time to be outside anyways.

Tip: If it's hotter than 90°F (32°C) stay inside and drink some water instead of trying to stain your deck.

4. Choosing the Wrong Type of Stain

There are two different types of stains water-based and oil-based. What type of stain you choose is dependent on several factors which we wrote an article about here. To put it simply oil-based stains offer better protection and last longer whereas water-based stains are more eco-friendly and dry faster.

Tip: Don't know which stain to choose for your project? Contact your local painting professionals to get expert advice.

5. Overapplying the Deck Stain

Just because the wood is "thirsty" doesn't mean it can drink all of the stain you give it. Applying too thick of a coat can cause bubbling, sticky surfaces, or flaking as the stain fails to absorb into the wood. The type of stain you purchase also influences how much stain you should apply.

Tip: It's better to apply two thin coats instead of one thick coat. It will apply more evenly and offer better coverage.

6. Forgetting to Prepare the Parts that You AREN'T Staining

Stain looks best on wood, doesn't really look good on anything else.

It's easy to get started on a project and not realize that you also need to protect the parts of the house that aren't part of the project. Accidents happen while staining and it's possible for a spilled bucket or flecks of stain to inflict lasting damage on unprotected surfaces. Take the time to move your furniture and tape off what you can't get out of the way.

Tip: Every ounce of prevention is worth it's weight in gold in protection.

7. Stain Doesn't Last Forever.

A freshly stained deck is one of the nicest looking things you can do for your home but being exposed to the weather won't let it last that way forever. Depending on how severe the weather can get, and given Utah's high elevation and inclement temperament you may have to stain your deck every 2-4 years.

Tip: Inspect your deck annually to identify any potential issues before they become severe problems.

Avoid these Deck Staining Mistakes - Or Leave it to the Pros

Staining your deck is one of the easiest ways to completely transform your curb appeal in a matter of days. While it's possible to do it yourself many hidden problems may arise that can create an uncertain future for your wood. Trust in Elevate Paint Pros to protect your deck and stain it in a way that shows the work of a professional. We only use the highest quality of products and with years of proven techniques know exactly what needs to be done to care for your property.