Decks are located outside, meaning they are often subject to harsh weather conditions. Whether your deck is faded or not the color you want, staining can be a great DIY project to makeover your deck look.
To stain your deck, take the time to prepare it by cleaning and washing it first. Then the stain can be applied using a paint roller and paintbrush. After you finish staining your deck, it is a good idea to use a similar method to seal it to protect it from the snow and sun.
Need to know more about how to stain your deck? If so, let’s look at the method for preparing your deck and the proper processes for staining and sealing.
Prepping Your Wood Deck for Staining
Before you can start staining your deck, it’s essential to take the proper time to prepare your deck for staining. This will ensure the stain adheres properly to the surface, and your deck will last you for years to come.
1. Clean Off Your Deck
Start by removing all items on your deck, whether you’ve got a grill or a full array of patio furniture. You will also want to remove anything you store under your deck.
2. Check for Signs of Degradation
Because you are taking the time to stain your deck, it’s also important to take the time to ensure your deck is in good condition. Ensure there are no signs of mold, mildew, or boards that are rotting. You will want to repair/replace these before you begin your staining.
3. Sweep the Deck
Once you are sure your deck is in good repair, you will want to take the time to give it a good sweep. Remove all leaves, dirt, and other debris.
4. Clean Your Deck
After broom cleaning your deck, you will want to get a deck cleaner (on Amazon) and use a sprayer to apply it to your deck. Allow it to remain on your deck for at least 15 minutes before using a brush to scrub the deck. You can also use a power washer.
After scrubbing the deck, rinse away all signs of the cleaner. Allow the deck to dry completely.
5. Sand Your Deck
After your deck has dried from the washing, use a sander to lightly sand all areas of the wood. Then use a cloth or vacuum to remove any sawdust.
Materials Needed
Ready to stain your deck? Here are all the materials you should have on hand.
- Painters tape
- Paint roller (on Amazon) with a long handle
- Paint brushes (on Amazon)
- The wood stain of your choice (on Amazon)
- Protective/old clothing
Once you’ve got all these and have your deck prepped, you are ready to stain your deck!
Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: Prepare
If you haven’t already, you will want to take the proper time to prepare your deck. See the directions above.
You will also want to prepare yourself by putting on old clothes you don’t mind stain getting on. Additionally, it would be best to look at the weather report to verify that it will dry for the next 24-48 hours.
Step 2: Apply Painter’s Tape
Apply painter’s tape along the side of your deck that touches the house. The painter’s tape should be at least the thickness of the roller to protect the side of your home.
Step 3: Stain the Deck
Mix the stain following the instructions on the can. Use the roller to apply the stain using smooth motions in the direction of the wood when possible. Stain only a tiny section at a time.
Step 4: Fix Small Areas
Between each section you stain with a roller, pause, and have someone go back through with a paintbrush and smooth over any small areas that may have been missed. This will ensure that your stain doesn’t dry blotchy. You can also use the brush to correct large blobs of stain that may have collected in an area.
It is recommended that Steps 3 and 4 be done by a team and have one person use the roller and another follow with the brush to speed up the process.
Step 5: Stain Railing
Once the deck surface is done, don’t forget to go back and stain the railing, stairs, or any other accessories your deck may have.
Step 6: Allow to Dry
Allow your deck 48 hours to dry before you walk on it again. This will allow the stain to fully cure. If the deck dries and you don’t like the color, you can repeat the above steps to add a second or third coat of sealant.
How to Seal a Stained Deck
Once your deck is stained, it is also a good idea to seal it. A sealant protects your deck for years to come and will keep the color of the stain for longer.
You should look for a sealant that protects your deck from weather and UV rays, then follow the directions below.
Step 1: Ensure the Deck is Dry
After sealing, your deck will take 48 hours to dry completely, maybe even longer if you live somewhere humid. Press your finger to the wood to ensure it is dry and the stain doesn’t come off on your finger.
Step 2: Apply Sealant
Using the paint roller, apply the sealant evenly to the deck, following the wood grain. While you can have someone follow with a brush, this isn’t as critical as it is for the staining process of your deck.
Step 3: Allow to Dry
Wait 24 hours for the sealant to dry before you walk on your deck. After that, you will only apply one coat of sealant.
Final Thoughts on How to Stain and Seal a Deck
Staining and sealing a deck is an easy DIY project if you have two people. Even if it is just you, you can stain and seal your deck; it will take a little longer. Always prepare your deck before you stain it, and consider a sealant to help it survive the weather and sun.