Staining New Wood: Step-by-Step Guide

Staining new wood is as vital as staining old wood. It will ensure longevity, beauty, and protection from the elements. Applying stain to the new wood is similar to the old wood with less effort.

This post is all about staining the new wood. Let's go straight into it.

Why Stain the Wood?

There are several reasons to stain the exterior wood. We listed three of those:

⬤ Protect from the sun: The exterior wood is prone to UV rays from the sun. The sun will reduce the board's life. You have invested a lot in the woodwork. Protect it well from the sun and extend its life.

⬤ Prevention from rotting: Rotting reduces the wood's life and beauty. Staining the wood will protect it and keep it in good shape.

⬤ Beautify the wood: Paint will also work as a protection layer. But it hides the natural appeal. Staining keeps the beauty while protecting it from harmful elements.

When to Stain a New Deck?

Almost every wood requires to be weathered before applying a stain. Some woods are damped when they reach the store. It's better to give them time to dry so you may get the best results. Applying the stain to wet wood may lead to premature failure.

Staining experts suggest applying the stain after three to twelve months of installing the wood. Stain works better when they thoroughly soak in.

There are several factors you need to consider when staining a new wood:

⬤ As soon as the inside of the wood reaches 12% moisture content you can stain it.

⬤ Some woods don't require a drying time. Rough-sawn wood is one such example.

⬤ KDAT and Kiln-dried wood can be easily stained within one to two months after installing it.

The Tools and Materials You Require to Stain the Wood

The most common staining tools and supplies you will use to stain the wood include:

⬤ Moisture meter to know when your wood is ready to be stained. Paintbrush, rags, pump-up sprayer, airless sprayer, 12 Volt system, or roller (depending on the job, size of the wood slab, and your preference).

⬤ 60-80 grit sandpaper (we don't suggest going crazy)

⬤ Clear finish

⬤ Painter's tape

⬤ Stain (oil-based with sealer)

How to Prepare the Wood for Staining?

Now that you have the tools and supplies, it's time to start the job. Staining could be a long process to get the best result. The first step of staining the wood is prepping it. This step could be as long as actually staining the wood.

⬤ Ensure all screws and nails sit perfectly into the wood.

⬤ Ensure a clean deck board surface. Sweep away any leaves and other debris. If you use a wood cleaner or brightener, ensure it is evenly applied.

⬤ After power washing your deck, allow it to dry for 24 to 48 hours.

Previously, we shared the step-by-step guide to preparing the wood for staining. You may want to read that.

How to Stain the New Wood?

Applying the stain to the new wood is the primary job. Once you have prepared the wood for staining, the wood is ready to be stained. Before starting the actual job, be sure to stain the wood at the right time. Once you are at the right time, carefully follow the below steps:

⬤ Mix the contents of the container with stir sticks. It will cause any pigment that has settled at the bottom to rise. Do not shake the stain can. You'll end up with bubbles and not a finished job.

⬤ Stain using a paintbrush, roller, or pump-up sprayer. Apply the content to every part of the wood. Do not miss any part. Use an angle brush to stain the small gaps between slabs and curvy areas.

⬤ Wipe off excess stain with a drop cloth. Leaving the extra content on the wood will damage the appeal.

⬤ Allow the wood to absorb the stain. It may take five to fifteen minutes to soak into the wood.

⬤ Allow the wood to dry. It can take up to six hours to a day for wood stained with oil to dry.

⬤ Apply the sealer if you want. Applying the sealer is not mandatory. It may give an additive life to the stain. Remember, some stains come with a sealer. So, you may not always need a sealer.

How to Choose the Right Stain?

There are several steps to choosing the right stain for the new wood, including:

Opacity

Some people prefer a natural appearance. We suggest using a clear stain. It keeps the natural beauty of the wood while protecting it from the elements.

Stains come in a variety of opacities, including:

⬤ Clear stain: It is a clear color that shows the wood's natural beauty.

⬤ Translucent stain: This feature doesn't hide wood's grain or texture of wood. It just has the slightest tonal difference.

⬤ Semi-transparent stain: As the name sounds, it hides some natural appeal of the wood while showing slightly more prominent colors.

⬤ Semi-solid stain: This stain hides most wood features, including imperfections. However, it still shows some wood's grain and texture.

⬤ Solid stain: This stain will hide most imperfections and has the best color depth. The good about this wood stain is that you can still see some of the wood's texture.

Unable to choose the right stain? Call the experts on 407 222-4058 to get the best advice.

Color Choice

Choose a color that blends with the house. You can also create a monochromatic look by using a similar color tone to your house’s primary color.

Wood Type

Woods like mahogany and ipe have beautiful grain and texture. We suggest using a translucent or semi-transparent stain. Use semi-solid or solid stains for woods like cedar and southern yellow pine.

Should You Stain or Hire an Expert?

Staining is not an impossible task. It requires some basic knowledge, and you can play with the stain. But do you want to play with the expensive wood you recently installed?

We are wood staining experts and have been in the business for some time. We specialize in staining exterior wood and will not make the mistakes many newbies will likely make.

For more information, call us at 407 222-4058 or send us your query.

FAQs

Do I need to clean my new deck before staining?

Yes, you need to clean the deck, even if it is new. Cleaning is not only limited to stripping the old stain. It also includes removing any dirt, dust, or debris from the station.

Do I need to sand the new wood before staining?

Usually, a new wood does not require staining. Check the wood for rough edges. If it has, then you may sand it with light sandpaper.

Should I allow to weather the new wood before staining?

New woods usually require weathering before applying the stain. But some companies suggest no weathering even for the new wood.