Home Repair and Paint Guide

... Be sure to purchase a high quality sealer. The better types apply evenly and penetrate sufficiently to give good protection against water damage. The staining process begins with clearing the deck of all movable items. Be sure to remove or cover fragile plants and shrubbery. Deck stain can kill plants and grass, so be careful during application. Next, sweep away all debris. Check carefully for loose boards and nails that stick up. If nails were used during construction, they will probably loosen and start pulling out. Replace the loose ones with deck screws. Warped or badly cracked boards will need to be replaced. Let them dry for a couple of weeks before staining. Now it’s time to clean the surface with a solution made for the purpose. For your safety, wear eye protection and waterproof gloves. Read and follow all safety directions that come with the cleaning solution. Make sure children and pets cannot enter the area. It may be necessary to wash down the deck and surrounding area before applying cleaning solutions. Care must be taken to limit the amount that gets on nearby plants and grass. And make sure to wear clothes that you won’t mind getting discolored. Many solutions contain bleach and they will create spots on clothing. Apply as per manufacturer instructions. After allowing time for the chemicals to do their work, the deck should be thoroughly rinsed. If using a pressure washer, be careful because too much pressure can damage the wood. Be sure to rinse away all residue, then allow the wood to thoroughly dry before sealing. Sealers can be brushed on, rolled on with a paint roller, or sprayed on. Throwaway foam rollers do a great job and allow you to control the amount that gets on other areas ...