coating without letting any spots
dry prematurely. To help avoid
lap marks on decks, apply to a
few boards at a time.
Treat all areas of the wood,
including joints, edges and ends
of the board. If using more than
one container of the same color,
intermix the containers to ensure
color uniformity.
Consider using a second color
on rails, benches or accent pieces.
Choose a color that complements
the architectural elements of your
home.
For very large jobs, such as
staining siding or a fence, the
fastest, most efficient method
is to use an airless sprayer. An
airless unit draws stain or paint
directly from a paint canister
and sprays at pressures up to
1,700 PSI. However, even when
For new decks, fresh lumber should be allowed to acclimate to its new
environment before staining. The wood needs to release unstable sap,
sugars and other residues that take up space in the grain that the coating
would otherwise occupy. Thirty days of seasoning is a minimum, but the
duration also depends on the wood’s condition when the deck was built, as
well as the weather. New, pressure-treated lumber can be very wet, and it
needs to be completely dry before staining, especially if using an oil-based
product as a coating. Hot, arid weather will condition the wood quickly, but
wet weather will prolong the process. Complete drying of “green” PT wood
could potentially take up to six months. To test the wood before staining,
follow these steps:
WATER ABSORPTION TEST
FOR NEW DECKS
1. Pour a cup of water over a few areas on your deck.
2. If the water is absorbed in less than 10 minutes, or if the surface color
darkens then it is time to stain your deck.
3. If the water beads on the surface and is not absorbed in ten minutes,
you need to either wait to apply a new stain or sealant, or remove an old
finish.
4. Applying a stain or sealant to unproperly prepared wood will result in
poor stain penetration and adhesion, which may damage the wood surface.
(Information courtesy www.olympic.com)
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