Notifications
Clear all
Deck Stain Questions and Answers
4
Posts
2
Users
0
Reactions
1,724
Views
Topic starter
17/04/2018 6:55 pm
I know this forum is for decks, but I have an arbor that needs restoration and I suspect it'll need similar advice as a deck. Below are some photos.
What: Arbor with ivy on top. Four 6x6 posts down to ground, and a bunch of horizontal supports and lattice (2x12, 2x6, 2x2). I want to restore everything except the 2x2 lattice on top (which isn't worth it, too intertwined with ivy).
Location: California
Shade: It's on southwest side of house. East and North sides are nearly abutted to house but since arbor lattice is high up, gets partial sun all day. The main thing partially blocking the sun is the lattice structure itself and the ivy growing on top of it.
Type: Redwood (?)
Mold/Mildew: some green Algae (see green specks/patches on the photos)
Main issues: hasn't been taken care of in 20 years. Wood is very dry and lots of cracks but structure is still solid. I've filled in the big cracks with DAP plastic wood filler (real wood filler in correct colors was way too expensive, so I hope it wasn't a bad idea to use this filler; they claim it's stainable).
So I'm wondering if I should do something like this?
1. Use rotary sander on everything except the top 2x2 lattice (grit # ???).
2. Power wash, then wait 48 hours.
3. Apply stain to the wood filler areas to match color of the now-sanded redwood. Since it will be an "under layer" of stain only on selective spots, I'm assuming it doesn't need to be very thick or weather resistant. Any recommendation?
4. Apply something fairly clear that will soak into the wood (since it is so dry) and will fill in the small cracks. Any suggestions?
5. Apply final stain (unless you recommend something for #4 that is all-in-one). I'm ok with fairly dark color (to mask the difference somewhat between the real wood and the filler in all the cracks, see photos), but want to see the wood grain at least a little. My primary goal is longest lasting, so that I can go as many years as possible between applications. Any suggestions?
Overall, is this the correct steps, or am I going at it the wrong way?
Photos:
17/04/2018 8:09 pm
Fillers are not stainable with exterior wood stains and should never be used on exterior wood unless you want to use a solid color stain or paint:
DECKSTAINHELP.COM You cannot use a semi-transparent stain on this now as the filler will show "white" in color and look bad. You can use a solid stain for this as it will mask the filler.
Topic starter
17/04/2018 8:57 pm
Ok, thanks for that link. Yeah, the cracks were just too big to ignore. I'm thinking I can apply a solid stain by hand just on the filler areas, and then apply a fairly dark (but not solid) stain on the whole thing, so that I still see the wood grain a little. I know it won't look super great, but I'm ok if it's just in the ball park.
Ignoring that issue, are my steps correct? Do I need to sand or is there a better way to prep? Any recommendations on #4 and #5 (given my location/situation)?
