Notifications
Clear all
Deck Stain Questions and Answers
4
Posts
3
Users
0
Reactions
3,329
Views
Topic starter
22/06/2013 2:29 am
I installed a new cedar deck in Ohio facing north with full sun until around 6pm. I have read on this site that of all the newly installed species of wood, cedar is the is the one that doesn't require a "waiting period" for staining. There were a some imperfections at some butt joints so I sanded the entire 450sf. deck, rather than just a few spots here and there. I then used the RAD system and let it set 48hrs. I bought cedar tone TWP 1500 and applied it in the shade @ about 80 degrees. It was sprayed on and back rolled per manufacturer. About 14hrs later it was still wet and very tacky. At 24hrs there's still a little stickiness and it's still just the 1st coat. I'm an experienced carpenter; built many decks, mostly pt wood. I know you have to wait to stain those. This is my first "cedar experience" and of course this is the first one I've finally built for my wife and I. Thanks for your time.
22/06/2013 6:01 pm
I have similar problem of TWP1500 not absorbing into cedar wood but my deck is 15 yo that was never protected before. 3 years ago I power washed (TSP and bleach) and stained with Cabot Wood Toner Weather Grey. In no time the deck got very moldy and looks black (I live on waterfront so high humidity). This year I washed again with TSP and Oxygen bleach. 80-90% of the old grey wood toner is removed, only a little bit remain in the deep grooves. There are parts where the wood gets fuzzy and parts where the wood is smooth. I applied with a brush a thin layer of a sample TWP 1500 series Cedar (I am in low VOC states: Maryland Seaboard) . The new stain does not get absorbed into the wood at all - in neither the smooth nor the fuzzy parts, even after a good 3-4days of drying. The stain also did not dry off either and needed to be wiped off. I called TWP dealer and they suggested Armstrong Clark and also to use the wood brightener first.
My questions are:
1. Does the oxalic acid in the the brightener really open up the pores? or is it the water? My issues is not stain in the wood but absorption. It has been now 2 weeks since I cleaned the deck, can I still use the brightener?
2. Will sanding open or close the pores? and should I still use the brightener after sanding?
3. Is Armstrong Clark more penetrating then TWP 1500 series? or is it in the wood prep that makes a difference?
Thank you for your advice - I have large surface >1000 sqft and the steps and many many spindles - so the correct way that would save me time would be most appreciated.
