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Deck Stain Questions and Answers
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Topic starter
04/04/2016 6:23 pm
Hey All,
I have a Cedar deck in Iowa that I have cleaned and stained each of the last 4 years. The last two years I tried Penofin. Half of my deck is covered and of course that part looks great. The uncovered part looks TERRIBLE 3 months after finishing it. I am regretting using Cedar. I know oils typically say they only last a year but again I am getting about 3 months out of it. So, the reason I'm writing is to ask if I can expect MUCH better results switching to a Semi-Solid.
Quesitons:
1. How long can I expect a Semi_solid to last? Deck faces South. 2 years?
2. I have read that Semi-solids fade vs. peel? True?
3. If they do fade then if the part in the sun fades and the other part does not then do you think I could just re-coat the part in the sun and then maybe feather in the stain to the part that has not faded?
4. If they do fade in my situation would it be better to use a dark semi-solid stain or lighter?
5. Sherwin Williams has a new Semi-Solid with IR technology for reducing heat. Would that also help reduce UV getting to the wood and slow down the graying process?
I know that covering cedar is WRONG to some people...including me...but I will never again use an oil based on it based on looking nice for 3 months or less. Just to much work for the reward.
Thanks for any advice you can give.
04/04/2016 8:00 pm
1. Typically you can get 2+ years
2. Depends on the brand. Some peel and some will fade. Armstrong Clark fades if prepped and applied correctly.
3. Not it is not easy to spot treat or do half. It will not blend.
4. Does not matter.
5. SW semi-solid is a water based stain that films on top of the wood and will peel. I would not suggest it.
You do not cover with a correct semi-solid. You will still see the grain. The issue is not related to being an oil based stain but rather you using the wrong oil based stain.
Topic starter
05/04/2016 5:19 pm
Thanks for the answers. Regarding your last statement is there something better than Penofin? Everything I read said it was the best. The reason I tried it besides what I read is that my neighbor uses it and it looks great. However, he has a Green Treat deck vs mine being cedar. Would you stay away from all Water Based?
My deck (the parts in the sun) is basically black. I just wonder if the combination of Cedar, Oil, and the Sun just don't work together? If my deck were completely out of the sun I would not have an issue with Penofin (oil).
13/05/2016 4:01 pm
Are you saying that Armstrong Clark is better than TWP 1500 on Iowan, sunny, cedar decks? I'm in the same boat and need to order stain today.
13/05/2016 4:31 pm
Here's A pic of our neglected deck. Just bought the house. Prior owner hadn't stained it for who knows how long. At least 4 years. To make matters worse, our dang dogs chewed all the knots out of the floor and a few other spots when it was nice n wet ?.
So what's the best product for our deck?
Central Iowa, south east facing, sun all day till late afternoon, I think the wood is cedar, not sure what product is on it now but water soaks right in. Also, do you recommend doing the underside? Pic of that attached too.
Finally, what would you pay for someone to do this work?
14x14' deck with 16' stairs plus 25' of additional matching rails on concrete front porch.
Remove old stain,' , fill big holes, stain, not including the under-side)
I got a bid for $2K. Seems high but this is my first wood deck so I'm inexperienced.
Thanks!
Kati
13/05/2016 4:39 pm
Here's one more pic showing railings.
14/05/2016 2:07 pm
$2000 seems a little high, but all areas have different pricing. I would suggest at least 1-2 more bids to compare. Wood filler will not work on outside wood and does not "stain" to bend with a semi-transaprent stain. It will look like white spots. For the underside, we would not stain, but a good cleaning to remove the mold and algae would help the wood and make it look somewhat better. Both TWP and AC are good products to use.
