After winter locked up in our houses, we long to spend pleasant moments outdoors. For this reason, summer for many people is centered around the backyard. During the milder seasons, the terrace is an extension of the house, where people meet up with friends and family, have a barbecue, or drink coffee at the first light of day.
1. Prepare the surface properly
The first thing you should do is clean your terrace well. First, remove all the dirt and go down to the smallest stone. Then, prepare the cleaning mixture, spread it on the wood, and let it act for 15 to 20 minutes. Then rub and rinse with water. Finally, let the wood dry for 24 to 48 hours before applying the stain.
2. Choose the right time
The success of your project depends, among other things, on the weather. You should remember that the weather is challenging to predict, but there are some things you should keep in mind to help you choose the right time for your project.
Beware of rain: Wait 2 to 3 days after a downpour before starting your work and ensure no rain is forecasted within 12 hours of completion.
Avoid dew: Waiting until the wood is completely dry after morning or evening dew before applying stain is essential.
All in the shade: Do not apply stain to areas exposed to direct sunlight. Wait until these areas are in the shade. This will avoid heat stroke and give you better results.
3. Get the right tools
A paintbrush is necessary for painting wood on a deck. A brush with natural bristles is preferable for oil-based products, while a brush with synthetic bristles will suffice for acrylic products.
Whether natural or synthetic, silk bristles are very absorbent. Because stain is more liquid than paint, you will need a brush to hold a substantial product reserve in its bristles. Apply generously to saturate the wood thoroughly.
Remember that if you have a huge deck, staining it with a brush can be quite laborious. If you decide to use a roller, it’s essential to roll on the sides to ensure the stain penetrates the wood. This will prevent unsightly drips.
4. Choose a quality product
After preparing the surface and tools, it’s time to choose the stain.
5. Be patient
To finish the staining project, it’s essential to let the stain dry completely to achieve good results. Patience is important.
