[Sticky] Deck Staining Help

Pressure washing does not damage wood. Not knowing what you are doing with a pressure washer and/or not using proper prep products can.

You did not use the proper prep and you did get too close to the wood. It can be salvaged and will look better when done but you did create some minor damage that cannot be repaired.

The Behr will most likely peel and will create issues for you in 1-2 years. We would never use it.

The wood looks like pressure treated pine

Thanks so much Sir- I truly appreciate it. I knew it that I did not do a good job with pressure washing- I am disappointed in myself. But, nothing can be done now.

• Can you please tell me what damage I did that cannot be repaired? 
• I used 40 degree nozzle/ tip but did go close. What is the right technique here- how far should I be?
• Would you tell me if I absolutely have to use pressure washer still- after stripper? I'd rather avoid it if I can to avoid any further mistakes.
• What kind of stripper do I need to buy? If I just use stripper, then scrub it well, then just use a hose instead of pressure washer- then that would be my preferred way.
• What kind of brightener do I need to buy for this kind of wood. 

I see what you are saying abut Behr product. I am wondering if I just let $70 go waster and buy the right stain. 

1. You gouged the wood slightly.

2. Yes, you need a pressure washer when stripping.

3. Try the Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener kits

Thank you again. 

• Can you tell, from pictures, what kind of coating (stain, sealer) does the deck have? Want to make sure I need stripper before I buy it. 
• Do I need to scrub after applying stripper or simply power wash it?
• What setting of powerwash you recommend after applying stripper? I have an electric power wash. 
• Do I need to sand down anything? Or just stripper and brightener is sufficient?

Appreciate the advice.

-No idea on the current stain.

-Pressure wash off

-1600 PSI

-Should be okay with the stripper/brightener.

1. Washington, DC

2. Partial Shade to Full Sun

3. Pressure treated lumber (most likely Home Depot)

4. None

5. Have not stained yet

6. 1 year 5 months old

2 big questions:

1. How many rain free days do I need?

2. How do I protect my new stain from falling leaves while it is drying? For the floor board, can I put a deck wide plastic tarp over the railings (like a tent) to prevent leaves from falling on the drying stain?

Thanks!

Dan

-Leaves will not harm or stick to the penetrating stains when the fall on while drying.

-2 days before staining and 1 day after.

Try the TWP stains or Armstrong Clark. Clean and brighten the wood for the prep.

Thanks so much!

Unfortunately, I cleaned and used the wood brightener yesterday and have a limited amount of time (rain is supposed to come Tuesday morning).

I don't thing they sell TWP and Armstrong Clark at stores in my area.

I was going to go with Benjamin Moore as their interior paint is some of the best. However, given the reviews, it seems I should stay away.

What else can you recommend off the shelf?

Thanks so much,
Dam

What are your stain options locally? Most likely you will not find anything decent in a Big Box store. Try independent paint stores or lumber yards.

What are your stain options locally? Most likely you will not find anything decent in a Big Box store. Try independent paint stores or lumber yards.

Cabot, Thompson's, Defy, Sherwin Williams.

If it rains before I stain it, will I need to go through the process of cleaning and brightening again?

Or can I wait and order some TWP or Armstrong Clark and if it rains, just wait till it dries and stain?

Also, can I use a paint sprayer for my fence?

Thanks so much,

Dan

Try Defy. Rain will not harm the prep. You can spray it.

I did a poor job with cleaning the deck to prep for staining- had posted pictures earlier. You advised I get stripper and brightener and power wash again. Per your advice, I bought RAD stripper & brightener subsequently.

- My question is if it is OK to wait until April/ May to do this now because temps are falling. Highs next week are all in mid to low 50s and lows in the low 40s- turning to low 30s towards late next week. 

- If I decide to wait, then will it harm my semi-cleaned/ powerwashed deck now? I think you said its pressure- treated pine.

Thank you

Posted by: Deck Stain Help

 

Try Defy. Rain will not harm the prep. You can spray it.

   

Thank you!

Picked up 6 cans in the butternut color. 

It took me the weekend just to do my deck. Unfortunately, I did a good job in some areas and a poor one in others. 

I wasn't careful enough and got some spray marks on some spindles and railing from using a paint brush on the floor boards.

So on several parts of the deck, I now have splotches/spray marks that won't come out.

Should I sand/strip just those areas and reapply defy?

Please advise on how to fix mistakes when staining!

Thanks so much,

Dan

You cannot "spot" fix this in our experience. It will make it look even worse. I would call Defy and see what they say.