Precision Staining | Staining Old Wood (Deck): Reviving Your Outdoor Space

Staining old wood (deck)

Josh Richards • Dec 19, 2022

Remember the time when you were a little bit in love with your new deck? Admiring the details of your newly built deck? Remember that feeling of fresh-looking wood, the color of the boards, and those evenings spent with family and friends. And then, the magic of your new deck gradually began to fade. You no longer notice the deck as you walk across it, but yes… the colors are faded, and the wood may turn gray.

So when you built your new deck, did you think it would be the start of a beautiful friendship that can last long if devotion and care are put into it. But what do you do if your deck is looking old and tired?

Don't worry, there is a way to rekindle your love affair with your beloved deck. This will only take a few days; some cleaning chemicals and tools, a suitable weather condition (mild cold), and some skills to bring that old relationship back with your deck.

Here's what you need to restore your old deck.

Tools Required

Bucket

Paint roller

Paint scraper, Paint tray, Paintbrush

Pump sprayer

Safety glasses, dress, and gloves

Stiff-bristle Scrubbing brushes

Materials Required

Painter's tape

Plastic sheeting

Deck finish

Deck stripper

Always give your project a thorough inspection.

Before staining an old deck, let's begin with the things you need to know. It would help if you always inspected the entire deck to avoid surprises later. So, always do repairs first.
1. Assess Structural Integrity- Verify the structural integrity of wood by checking the structure underneath and around it for movement in the framing or joists. Also, prevent warping, gaps, severe cracks or broken boards, and stains peeling off.
2. Test Wood Rot- You can check for wood decay by using a flathead screwdriver to poke at any darkened or white areas suspected to have fungus or splintered. It would be best to inspect the footers, as hidden rot can sometimes occur.
3. Fix any Loose Screws and boards-Make sure to fix loose wood screws. You can either use nails or screws to select an open deck board. However, screws will last longer. Begin by removing any existing fastenings. Make new holes in the deck's wood for screws, then replace it and screw it down with wood screws.
4. Check for Wood Damage by Insects - Check for signs of pest damage such as borer bee holes and termite damage.
5. Deck Drainage & Waterproofing- A deck without proper drainage or slope can quickly cause damage. You should repair any rotting issues or debris that has collected water under a deck.

How to prep deck surface for Staining

Step 01: Preparation

Before applying a stain, make sure your surface is free of dust, dirt, grease, and other contaminants. Stains and different finishes may not stick to a surface that isn't clean.

For atleast 24-48 hours, confirm that there is no rain.

To remove any leaves or other debris, sweep the deck thoroughly.

You can protect the house siding and surrounding vegetation by covering it with thin plastic.

Step 02: Stripping

Use a roller to apply SuperDeck Stain & Sealer Removal smoothly. You can work in smaller sections if you have a large deck. This will ensure that the area remains wet during the application.

Wait 10- 15 minutes, and apply the remover to the surface with a stiff synthetic bristle brush. To remove any residue, scrub thoroughly.

Use a garden hose with an excellent stream to thoroughly rinse the stain & sealer remover from the wood.

To altogether remove the sealer and stain from the wood, use a garden hose or soft wash to rinse it off or wash it away

Let the deck dry.

Step 03: Neutralize the Stripper

Use a pump sprayer to apply SuperDeck Revive. It is best to work in small areas.

For 10-15 minutes, allow the chemical to set on the surface. To achieve the best results, lightly scrub the surface using a stiff synthetic bristle brush.

Make sure chemical should not allowed to dry completely during application.

Use a hose to rinse the surface, taking out all residue thoroughly.

You can clean the deck with a low-pressure washer. It would be best if you were cautious with high PSI as it can cause the wood grain to become pounded and damage the boards.

After pressure washing the deck, scrub off any solid peeling stain with a deck scrub brush.
Next, if necessary, use a scrub brush to scrub off any solid peeling stain.

Let it dry.

Pro Tip: Ensure you have cleaned your deck thoroughly before applying a stain. To check if the deck is ready to apply stain, sprinkle water on the deck. The wood can be stained if the water drops soak in.

Apply a quality finish

We recommend applying SuperDeck, IR Reflective, or any other quality stain for exterior wood using a roller and rolling with the wood grain. Use the extension pole and a 4" brush to apply the stain between the deck boards.

If you feel a second coat is required, check the instructions to see how long it takes for a second coat. Know that temperature, humidity, film thickness, and other factors affect the drying and recoat time.

Tip: Before staining the main deck, stain the railings first.

Do the final cleaning by removing plastic coverings from the surrounding plants and cleaning up.

It would be best if you allowed your deck to dry for 24 - 48 hours (depending on the temperature and humidity) before you use it.

Final Words

To keep decks safe and functional, they need to be maintained annually. You should also inspect them regularly to keep an eye on any damages and seal and stain them once every two years. Weather-related damage is more likely to occur if you wait longer and ignore it for a long time.

Precision staining has the right team to care for your deck maintenance needs. We serve in Orlando, Florida. We look forward to helping with all of your exterior wood staining requirements. For fast service, contact us today.

FAQ
How to match old wood decking with new wood boards?

It is essential to clean the entire surface of the wood to match it with older wood. Use a pressure washer and a wood cleaner on old wood to remove dirt, grime, and gray wood fibers. Likewise, wash away the mill glaze from new wood. After cleaning the wood, apply a wood brightener; this will help lighten older wood and open up the pores of newer wood. Moreover, this will increase stain absorption rates for both old and new wood and give an even finish the look.

Sanding the wood surface after it has dried and is clean can be an additional step. Sanding older wood will remove soft wood fibers and reveal a more rigid surface. The opposite effect will occur when you sand the more aged wood, softening the surface and removing any mill glaze. Use a semi-transparent, high-grade wood stain; these steps will match the new wood to the older one. The wood surfaces may not be identical, but this will make them blend nicely, creating a beautiful appearance.

Can I use a floor sander on my deck?

Floor sanders are specially designed for flat surfaces. You will have uneven results if you use it for your deck because deck boards have a slightly curving surface. Therefore, it is not recommended.

What are the best deck stains for old wood?

Enlist a few from this list.

References

https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-revive-a-deck/

All content displayed on this website is protected by copyright laws. Downloading, republication, or reproduction of content on this website is strictly prohibited. © 2023 Precision Staining LLC. All Rights Reserved.