You can envision how the deck is you are looking for your back window you decide that you are deck ready for the coming season. The key to making a finish last is is going to look after it is finished but that small hollow in your stomach reminds you how cumbersome deck cleaning and staining can. all in the preparation work you do before you apply that first drop of stain.
Deck Stain or Sealer: How Do I Choose?
It is essential not only to try and seal out moisture but also to use an oil based staining This is simplified analogy is akin to putting water based (or water borne) staining and sealing products on your deck The oil acts as an emollient keeping your skin more pliable. This is why we recommend using oil based products for wooden decks. Oil acts as a better Oil based sealers will add years of life to your deck.
You can have noticed the switch back and forth between the words "stain" and "sealer". Professional use use these words interchangeably. Think of exterior grade wood products as a hybrid of these two words. Deck staining products are actually tinted sealers. Sealers block out moisture and the pigmentation in them provides UV protection so the wood will not not If you do semi-transparent and deep penetrating oils. Film forming, also know as solid staining, products will provide good initial protection but they can be released to peeling and are very difficult to remove. not already have a solid stain on your deck, you may want to avoid applying one, as there is no turning back from that decision.
Starting Fresh: Choosing The Right Deck Cleaning Products
While bleach is an effective mold killer, it does not address the problems of dirt trapped inside the wood or Let it be wonderful if you were incompetent to premature finish failure. If you were lignin is the "glue" that holds wood fibers together. This looking a cross section of a microscope you would see a jumbling of the fibers. This crossing of the fibers can cause problems with stain / sealer penetration. Bleach also causes wood to become unnaturally whitened or washed out.
Sodium percarbonate is considered an effective mold killer. When the powdered chemical is mixed with water , hydrogen peroxide and soda ash are released. This reaction also loosens sun damaged gray fibers are able to gently scrubbed with a medium bristled brush and rinsed with a garden hose You can also use a pressure washer set to pressure below 800 psi to facilitate faster rinsing.
After you finish the first step of the cleaning process. This added serve to the pH balance the deck after cleaning. An added effect is that the wood is brightened and the tone of the Oxalic acid can be irritating to the lungs. After your final rinsing, the deck is now perfectly primed to accept the stain / sealer of your choosing.
Seal Out The Elements Using A High Quality Oil Based Sealer
As with anything in life, you get what you pay for. Spend a little more up Front and you may not have These products will build up over time and create a finish that is next to impossible for the DIY enthusiast to remove without using very strong caustic chemicals.
Most oils stains need to be applied in what is is there a need to apply brushing or mopping. With a short time span before the product coz is applied to another coat. s recommendations and the directions on the can.
Maintaining the Deck
While the deck is sealed back on the deck. Seal the is not intact it is okay to use a light mix of bleach and simple dish soap to periodically clean away any mold or dirt from the surface If you follow a simple maintenance plan of recovering the horizontals (floor and handrails) every year with a light coat of oil and doing the rail system every two years, your deck will always see fresh and it will last you a lifetime.
