As the weather warms up and the sun stays out longer, our focus inevitably shifts from our inside living spaces to our outside ones. Staining your deck not only protects it from the elements, but it also gives it a visual facelift. Here’s how to get the job done quickly and effectively in eight hours.
Clear the Decks
You don’t want to ruin expensive outdoor furnishing with a wayward spray of deck stain, so make sure all tables, chairs, plants and accessories are safely away from the treatment area.
Related: 10 Interior Paint Colours You’ll Be Using to Update Your Home in 2019
Sands of Time
Replacing popped-up nails with deck screws and sanding down the boards with a palm sander will give you the best results. When sanding, make sure you go with the grain and absolutely wear a safety mask and glasses.
Clean Sweep
Sweep away leaves and debris before sanding, but also make sure you go over it again afterwards to remove sawdust and get all the gunk out of the cracks. You don’t want dust particles messing up that final finish.
Cover Ups
Make sure you cover siding that you don’t want stained with paper or plastic. And don’t forget to also protect the plants and shrubs that surround your deck, by wetting them and covering them up with clear plastic sheeting.
Shaken or Stirred
When working with a stain or wood finish, check the product’s instructions to see if the formula needs to be shaken or stirred before use. If the opposite is done, either the stain won’t mix properly leading to an uneven look or bubbles can form and be visible when the product dries.
Paint the Town
When it comes to corners, ends, railings or cracks, put down the roller and pick up a paint brush. A brush gives you more control in tighter spaces that require higher precision.
Drying Cycle
Remove the plastic covers from plants, planters and furniture and allow decking to dry completely.
Party On
Place your outdoor chairs and table back in their proper spots, spark up the barbecue and invite your nearest and dearest over for a celebratory get-together of a job well done.
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