Quick Guide To Staining Your Wood Deck

Don’t avoid entertaining on your wood deck or porch because of how it looks. Beautify your outdoor space this season with a fresh coat of deck stain. GR Mitchell and Olympic Maximum are here to help you get started with a quick guide to staining your wood deck.

Prep Work

Before you jump right into staining your deck, there are some necessary prep items you must do first. Start by clearing off your deck space, removing any furniture, sweeping the surface, and replacing or repairing any boards that appear damaged.

Next, you’ll want to thoroughly clean your deck with a product like our Olympic Premium Deck Cleaner. It is not enough to simply sweep the debris off of your deck. By using a premium deck cleaner, you’ll be able to remove dirt, stains, mildew, mold, and algae. Failure to properly prepare a deck for staining is the most common reason for problems with deck stain and sealant. Remember to review the product label for specific instructions, as all cleaners are applied differently.

Stain & Tools

The most important thing to consider when selecting a stain brand and type is how much work and routine maintenance you are looking to do. With Olympic Maximum Stain & Sealant in One, you are able to completely eliminate the need for applying a sealant separately. Olympic Maximum is available in over 140 colors with the following options: clear, transparent/toner, semi-transparent, semi-solid, and solid.

Depending on the stain option you choose, your deck could require more or less annual maintenance. For instance, the more transparent a stain, meaning the more of the wood grain you hope to see, the more likely you’ll have to stain your deck each year. With a solid stain, you may only need to stain your deck once every five years. This is why many customers choose a semi-transparent or semi-solid deck stain to meet in the middle when it comes to maintenance.

Once you’ve selected your stain, you’ll need to purchase the proper tools for the job. With our Master Painter Better 6-Pc. Paint Tray Set, you get everything you need all in one tray! This set includes a plastic paint tray for the stain, a 9” x 3/8” knit roller cover and frame, a 3” trim roller and frame, and a 2” angle brush. If you’re using Olympic Maximum to stain your deck, you’ll be able to reuse this set with easy water clean-up.

Staining Tips

• Check the weather before you begin. Don’t apply a deck stain in direct sunlight or if rain is forecasted within the next 24 hours. Olympic Maximum can be applied down to 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Test the stain on a small area of your deck to make sure you are happy with the end result. Olympic Maximum comes with a guaranteed satisfaction warranty, so if you’re not happy with the product you will receive a full refund.
• If you are staining a large area, mix all of your gallons of stain together to ensure the color is consistent.
• If you’ve replaced a board, use a solid or semi-transparent stain to create a blended color, as it will not achieve the same color as the rest of your deck.
• Apply two even coats of stain using a brush or roller following the wood grain.
• Remember to keep a wet edge as you go in order to avoid lap marks.
• More stain is not better. Over-applying can cause the stain to crack or peel when exposed to moisture.
• Allow 24 to 48 hours of dry time before walking on your deck.

Maintenance

To keep your deck looking beautiful throughout the year, remember to sweep it often to stop dirt from becoming trapped in the wood. Test your deck each year by observing how well it repels water. If you don’t need a fresh coat next year, it’s always good to clean your deck in the interim to keep the stain looking its best.

Should you have any questions when it comes to staining your deck, stop by our NEW and improved Paint Department at our location in Willow Street, PA or give us a call at 717-464-2999. And remember to check out our circular for sales on our Olympic Maximum Stain & Sealant.