deck stain question

[cyclonewoes]

A few questions:
1. How long do you have to wait to stain a new deck? (11 months old)
2. Is oil or latex better?

The deck is starting to dry out bad, it was treated wood to start.

Thanks for the input!

 

[psycln11]

I used this and waited one season before applying it to me deck (pressure treated).

Wolman F&P Wood Preservative


Edit: The following says to allow 1-3 months on new pressure treated wood (See When to Use)


http://www.wolman.com/product_detail2.asp?ProductID=10

 

[CYdTracked]

I use this stuff and its well worth the money you'll spend on it. Flood CWF-UV Clear Gallon 350 VOC - FLD 442-01 at The Home Depot It comes in different wood tones, it's a 2 year sealer and honestly you can probably stretch a 3rd year out of it possibly too its that good. My deck is due for another coat after 2 years now and I'm debating on just leaving it this summer and waiting till next year because it still looks pretty good.

Don't bother with Thompson's, that stuff doesn't even last 1 summer.

 

[dtclones]

A few questions:
1. How long do you have to wait to stain a new deck? (11 months old)
2. Is oil or latex better?

The deck is starting to dry out bad, it was treated wood to start.

Thanks for the input!

I'm not sure on the first question. I'd assume you'd be ok to stain the deck now if you wanted. As for the second one, I always prefer latex stains/paints because it's so much easier to deal with. It goes on easier and cleans up easier. It may last a little longer but, to me, it's not worth it.

 

[yCy]

I'm glad you started this thread, cyclonewoes. Our deck is 10 months old. We're beginning to look at different types of stain. What do you plan to use to prep the deck for staining?

 

[benjay]

I'm glad you started this thread, cyclonewoes. Our deck is 10 months old. We're beginning to look at different types of stain. What do you plan to use to prep the deck for staining?

For unstained wood it's pretty simple as far as I know. Sand anything that's rough. Power wash it in the morning. Stain it once it dries.

 

[cyclonewoes]

For unstained wood it's pretty simple as far as I know. Sand anything that's rough. Power wash it in the morning. Stain it once it dries.

This is what I was planning to do. I see some say that it should be striped from mill residue, but my deck seems dry and fairly smooth.

 

[benjay]

Also if there's any mold growing, you'll want to scrub with bleach or something that will kill it.

 

[dmclone]

I try to wait at least 4 days of dry weather before I apply.

I like transparent but regardless of brand it's not going to last as long as semi-transparent.

 

[nfrine]

I try to wait at least 4 days of dry weather before I apply.

Hopefully you will get the stain/seal the deck sometime this summer.....:smile:

 

[cytech]

For unstained wood it's pretty simple as far as I know. Sand anything that's rough. Power wash it in the morning. Stain it once it dries.

Got the process a bit off there. You wash the deck (please note I left out the power part) you let it dry, then you sand, then after 5 days of dry weather you stain or when the wood reaches a moisture content less than 20% if you own a moisture meter.

Also if there's any mold growing, you'll want to scrub with bleach or something that will kill it.

Never ever put bleach on untreated wood if you have stained your deck already and the finish is intact still you can use bleach, but not on the bare wood. You need a oxygenating bleach such as sodium per carbonate based cleaner. Or a sodium hydroxide based deck stripper. If you have new wood or are looking to apply a maintenance coat the sodium percarb will work fine. If you have a aged deck or fence that has never been stained (several years) use a stripper as it will help better remove the UV damage that has been done to the wood.

I'm glad you started this thread, cyclonewoes. Our deck is 10 months old. We're beginning to look at different types of stain. What do you plan to use to prep the deck for staining?

See the comment above, also you need to neutralize your deck after cleaning as well. This opens the pores of the wood to allow it to better accept the stain.


As for what type of stain to use, on a outdoor deck or fence you don't want to use a latex based stain. It doesn't last in Iowa. Also avoid acrylic based stains also.

Semi Transparent oil based is your best bet. If you want to buy something local I recommend Olympic Maximum from lowes or Sherwin Williams Deck Scapes

 

[Clonehomer]

Sherwin-Williams' website has a pretty good step by step process for restoring and staining new decks.
Deck Stains - Sherwin-Williams