Will deck stain lighten over time?
Stains come in semi-transparent colors and opaque colors. So, while the color will lighten over time, the effect is less noticeable and the deck looks better between staining sessions. Flaking opaque stain on a treated wood deck. An opaque stain or a paint also requires more prep time before refinishing your deck.
How long does it take for deck stain to fade?
A good quality deck stain will have a life of about two to three years. This is going to depend significantly on some different factors and may vary a little. Direct sunlight is one of the worse things that deck stain has to deal with.
Does old stain need to be removed from deck?
You don’t need to remove all of the old stain to apply darker stain. But you do need to remove all of the lacquer, varnish or anything that will prevent new stain from absorbing into the wood. Your sanding block will initially glide over the old lacquer before it begins to cut into it and remove it.
Will staining my deck make it last longer?
While staining may take less time than painting, painting often does a better job of filling the cracks, covering imperfections, and provides longer lasting protection. Paint also is typically more rot resistance and does a better job of preventing mold and sun damage.
What do I do if my deck stain is too dark?
If the wood is too dark, soak a clean cloth in turpentine or mineral spirits and rub the wood firmly and evenly along the grain. This will lighten the stain but not remove it.
Can you stain over stain on a deck?
Yes, it is possible to stain over the existing stain on a deck. It is recommended to do this at least once every 5-15 years, depending on how worn your deck is.
What type of deck stain lasts the longest?
Solid. Just like regular paint, solid stains hide the grain of wood, and the best should last three to five years on a deck, the longest of the three types of stains.
What happens if it rains on stained deck?
If it rains within 48 hours after you apply the stain, the water will soak into the wood pores and try to displace the stain. This will result in a splotchy surface rather than an even tone. If it rains right after you apply the stain, the stain will peel and flake off.
Can you pressure wash stain off a deck?
Pressure washing is a quick way to remove a deck finish, but it requires some care so as not to damage the deck. A pressure setting of 1500 psi should be strong enough to clean away deck stain. Hold the sprayer about 3 inches off the surface and move the sprayer as you work in the same direction as the grain.
What happens if you don’t stain a deck?
However, choosing not to stain or paint the deck is simply a preference of the homeowner. The effects that can occur due to a lack of treatment are aesthetic in nature. After 6 months, the wood will start to lose its color and will begin to fade. Ultimately it will fade to grey or silver.
Can a solid stain be used on a wood deck?
When solid stain is used on a deck, the stain will completely cover the wood grain. Will crack, peel, and blister. While solid stain can resist fading from the sun, it won’t resist eventual cracking, peeling, or blistering. This is especially true if the wood is often wet or in direct sunlight.
When does a stain on a deck break down?
Direct sunlight is one of the worse things that deck stain has to deal with. The properties of the sunlight can dry out the stain and cause it to weather much faster. If you live in an area where there is a lot of rain, you will also notice that it begins to break down in between the two and three years.
Is there a life limit to deck stain?
Paint, while it will protect the wood, is just a covering. Deck stain actually penetrates into the wood itself to form a seal against water, snow, ice, and the freezing and thawing that occurs with the seasons. One thing that many people do not realize is that there is a life limit to deck stain.
Why do people blame themselves for bad deck finishes?
It’s strange to me how often people blame themselves for bad deck finishes, never thinking for a moment that the deck stain itself is to blame. But the fact is, many deck stains are destined to fail as soon as they leave the factory. I know because I’ve tested them.