Deck Stain Help Forum - Recent Posts

RE: Play Set Staining Help

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 12:35:38 +0000

Most of the old stain is gone, so no need to strip. Clean and brighten for prep while pressure washing:

https://www.deckstainhelp.com/product/restore-a-deck-package-300/

For the stain, look at the Armstrong Clark, TWP 1500 Series, or the Restore-A-Deck semi-transparent.

https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews/

Use stain pads or brushes to apply.

Play Set Staining Help

shorkj01 — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 20:06:22 +0000

Hello, I have a play set that I built using reclaimed barn wood that needs a new coat of stain. Also, around the playset I have a border that I used treated rough sawn southern yellow pine 5x5's for, these should be plenty ready for a first coat of stain as well.

A. The previous stain was applied 2 years ago (barn wood only), about when the wood started seeing daylight. Before that the wood was inside a barn built in the 1890's.

B. Most of the wood is rough and not sanded, this includes some decay and bug damage.

C. I assume the old stain needs stripped and I should use a wood cleaner or brightener? I would like to remove the UV damage to bring back some color, such as using the Armstrong Clark.

D. Best application method? Brush, pump sprayer, airless sprayer?

1925 1920 1922 1924 1923 1921

1. Indiana

2. Full Sun

3. Unsure, whichever hardwoods were cut down nearby to build the barn

4. North side, which is the rock wall seems to be the only area with mold/mildew

5. Previously used Sherwin Williams super deck oil based transparent stain (6511-52639). While it looked great at first it did not provide protection for much longer than 6-12 months and weathering/discoloring started to appear, so now a lot of the wood looks gray/white.

RE: Deck Staining Help

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 11:36:04 +0000

No, you have to strip. Plus, what is on your railings looks fully opaque, not semi-trans or semi-solid. You would need to strip the paint here unless you want to use a solid opaque stain there.

RE: Deck Staining Help on an old treated lumber deck

miasmom — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 00:46:04 +0000

Hi Scott; We have an old deck of treated pine. The deck boards are in decent shape. Two years ago we put on a semi-solid (Cabot) deck stain that seemed to have vanished, except for outlier boards that don't get any traffic (we have five dogs). I'll upload photos. Since most of the semi-transparent stain is gone, could we get away with not having to strip? 1914 1916,1915,1914

RE: Deck Staining Help

cftrozzo — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 19:18:16 +0000

@deckstainhelp Thanks! We really appreciate your prompt and knowledgeble reply!

RE: Deck Staining Help

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 18:26:14 +0000

@cftrozzo 48 hours at a minimum to dry after prep or any rain.

RE: Deck Staining Help

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 18:25:14 +0000

@eelefter99 We have never been very successful at spot sanding/preppign and then having the stain blend. Does not hurt to try, though.

It is just cosmetic and is not long-term, as it will go away when you redo. Maybe put a rug or some furniture over the bad spots?

Applying TWP 100 2 years later

cftrozzo — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 15:57:55 +0000

Hi, we are reapplying TWP100 (2 years since first application). We cleaned and brightened the deck yesterday and are waiting for it to dry. Do we need to wait 48hrs or can we apply the stain sooner? There is a slight risk of a thunder shower this afternoon. If it does rain, can we stain tomorrow? (I read that some moisture is OK with the oil based product so we'd appreciate your advice). Thanks

SE British Columbia, Canada (Rocky Mountains)

Pressure treated deck (10 years old, previously treated with TWP100 2 years ago).

RE: Deck Staining Help

eelefter99 — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:56:13 +0000

1912 1913

These boot prints and orbital sander artifacts are localized in 2 separate areas. Contractor says he will remove them via gentle sanding and then restain those areas with a cloth to avoid laplines and achieve blend.

Is this good thinking or might it make things worse?

Regarding the saturated furring that resulted in a blotchy appearance...I'm assuming you recommend that I just live with it and learn to love it...or at least hate it less?

Thanks.

RE: Deck Staining Help

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:46:05 +0000

No, he's wrong or inexperienced. As I said, the stripper caused the furring/fuzzies. Not the sanding or the stain afterward. He did not sand them off fully, and in his defense, he may not have been able to see them when the wood was dry. Painters are not always deck restoration experts, or vice versa. For example, you would not want me painting your house. :)