What Is Deck Staining?

For many property owners, their deck is one of their pride and joy features of their property. In addition to being a great place to relax and entertain visitors, a deck can increase your property value tremendously. However, depending on how much exposure to the elements and foot traffic your deck receives, you will need to periodically maintain it. One of these periodic services is to have your deck re-stained. A new stain can provide an aging deck with a full facelift, making it look brand new again, as well as preserving and protecting it from the elements for the last several years.

What is a deck re-staining service? This blog from our Los Angeles deck waterproofing experts will briefly explain the process in some detail.

Surface Preparation

The first thing that needs to be done to your deck is to prepare it for the new stain. If you have stained your deck before, this means removing the old stain or surface. This can be done with a sander, sand-blaster, or even a pressure washer. Afterward, your deck surface needs to be ready to take the new stain, meaning it needs to be dry and free from dirt and dust.

Stain Application

Applying a new stain involves ensuring that the temperature is right for good adhesion (some stains won’t stick if the temperature is too hot or cold) and that the weather forecast looks good. From there, the process of applying your new stain surface will vary depending on the surface of your deck. Wood decks usually involve using a natural-bristle brush. Other surfaces may have the stain rolled on or even sprayed on. Talk to your commercial deck waterproofer to find out more about the application process for your deck and chosen stain.

Stain Maintenance

Once the stain has been applied, it generally needs 24 hours at the very least to properly cure, with many other surfaces needing 48 to 72 hours for maximum effectiveness. Once the initial application is complete, certain stains will need regular reapplication or resurfacing to maintain their effectiveness. In general, most stains should last five years or more, but some may last even longer if you take proper care of them. The easiest way to tell how your deck staining is holding up is to see how your deck reacts to water: if the water is being repelled, your stain is still in fairly good shape. If some is being absorbed, you may want to consider having your deck re-stained soon.

For more information or to schedule a deck staining service, call the Los Angeles deck waterproofing experts at Capital Deck & Stair Waterproofing today at (310) 912-7737 .

Leave a Comment