[Sticky] Deck Staining Help

Depends on how concentrated it is. Injectors dilute the stripper by 10 parts water to 1 part stripper. For a concentrated version to work, it should be at least 3-4 times the strength, then saturated well on the deck to compensate. This also varies drastically on the difficulty of the strip. It is one of those things that is not an exact science but come with experience as a contractor.

I live in MD. Last fall I used TWP 1530 natural on 1 year old pine deck. The application went on great and I am very happy with the end result with one exception. My wife doesn't like the orange color. I would like to darken it a bit and tone down the orange. Can I just add another coat of TWP in a different color? What do I need to do to prep the surface.

You can darker but you will need to prep first with the Gemini Restore kit and pressure washing.

I live in Southeast Michigan and have a Trex composite deck in the Saddle color with a woodgrained finish that is about 8 years old in partial shade. It has developed black mildew (leopard) spots that I have tried to remove with different cleaners and power washing without much success plus it has faded. I had it professionally powerwashed today and would like to apply a sealer with just a small amount of color to freshen it up and prevent more mildew spots. What product would you recommend?
Thanks,
Brian

We have never seen a sealer that will enhance the color of composite decking. Not sure if that is possible but less us know if you find one.

1. Minnesota
2. Partial Shade
3. Cedar
4. No Mold Issues
5. Previous Stain - Behr Semi-Transparent WeatherProofing. Unfortunately I did not discover this site 2 years ago. I prepped and applied the Behr stain and after the first year it started to peel on floor boards (which I have stripped and sanded). Railings and posts are good condition (as reviews mention). Is there an option for re-applying a darker stain (without stripping and sanding railings) to existing railings?

No you cannot apply a different brand on top of the Behr. It will not properly adhere, penetrate into the wood, or look good. It needs to come off as much as possible.

I llve in Vermont. My cedar deck has a northern exposure and sits just off the back porch of the house, so probably 80% of the deck gets sun pretty much all day; a portion of the deck is shaded in the morning by a tree and a portion is shaded in the afternoon by the house. The deck is four years old. I used the defy extreme product initially, and the wood was too green so the wet-on-on wet application was never really absorbed and was pealing the next year. After two years, I stripped, pressure washed, sanded, and then stained the deck using TWP 1500. The stain went on easy, appeared to be absorbing well into the deck, and looked great. After one year, the stain was holding up reasonably well, but mildew was becoming a problem, with issues everywhere, but more so where sun exposure was more limited closer to the house and where the deck was partially shaded during the morning by a large maple. I used the product Wet and Forget to try to control the mildew, and this worked to a degee, but also I believe, accelerated the aging/fading of the stain, almost as if I was bleaching the deck. So after two years from initially applying TWP 1500, much of the stain on the deck is faded or gone, and I once again need to strip and restain my deck. What stain do you feel would be best for my situation. As a water based stain, I'm aware that the Defy product may be more mildew resistant. Should I give this another try, with the hope of a better outcome assuming the stain is successfully absorbed, or do you have another suggestion.

The Defy will give the best results from mold and mildew followed by the TWP. The issue is that mold can grow on top of any stain and a stain can only help prevent it from growing "in" the coating. Point being, you may get mold on top of the coating no matter what stain you used based on your particular environment. If it were me, we would stay with the TWP for one more go around. Take care that the trees are not pollinating when redoing the stain application as pollen will feed mold growth.

Atlanta, GA; Full sun, cedar, 6 months old. I just stained the deck after using the cleaning products for new wood. Used TWP 100, cedar tone, yesterday. The color looks a little to "honey" color. Can I use something to darken it or do I have to strip it again and start over?
Thanks

You would either have to strip it now and start over or wait until next Spring and then clean and brighten for the prep of a darker color. It will not take another coat of stain now.

Quote from administrator on December 14, 12:02
1. You will be fine waiting until Spring but you will need to re clean.
2. Depends on the stain you choose but it should be fully dried wood and above 50 degrees. Do not let it freeze over night as well.

1. State you live in : MD
2. Full Shade, Partial Shade, or Full Sun: Full Sun through about 2 pm
3. Type of Wood :Pine
4. Mold or Mildew Issues :none visible
5. Main Issues with Previous Stains: :faded away, deck is weathered

Questions-
A) previous homeowner here for 20 years had only stained once, it's all worn off
Would a clear transparent weatherproofing coating suffice?

b) which would be the best clear treatment if so? The bad reviews for Sherwin Williams etc seem to be for the tints/colours.

Thanks
W.

a. a clear will not prevent the wood from graying.
b. TWP 1500 Clear or Defy Extreme Clear

Quote from administrator on May 13, 21:47
a. a clear will not prevent the wood from graying.
b. TWP 1500 Clear or Defy Extreme Clear

Thanks so much for your prompt reply!
A couple followups if i may please
1) the wood is already pretty gray-it hasnt had any treatment in years.

Is it still advisable to try to protect it from UV?

2) what prepping besides washing might you suggest whether for a clear stain or a coloured semitransparent?

Thanks
W

1. Really up to you. It is okay to have a gray oxidized deck that is sealed from other elements
2. Prep with a deck cleaner and wood brightener while washing. Nothing else is needed.