How to Wash & Stain a Deck That’s Never Been Stained
If your deck has never been stained before, careful preparation guarantees long-lasting protection and a beautiful finish. At Staining Grain, we meticulously clean, brighten, and stain decks the proper manner.
First: Prewet and Apply wood cleaner
To stop the cleaner from soaking too quickly, we pre-wet the deck before washing. We next break down grime, mildew, and worn wood using a professional-grade wood cleaner (sodium metasilicate).
✔ Dwell Time: 15 to 30 minutes; avoid drying by spraying the surface with water.
Second: Low Pressure Washing
We gently wash the deck using a low-pressure tip on a pressure washer once the cleaner has done its magic. This gets accumulated dirt out of the wood without ruining it.
Third: Apply Brightener (Oxalic Acid)
After the deck is spotless, we neutralize the cleaner with a wood brightener (oxalic acid), therefore restoring the natural color of the wood and opening the pores to improve stain absorption. We rinse the brightener completely off with water upon application.
Fourth: Drying Time and Moisture Verify
The wood has to dry before staining; its ideal moisture level should be 13% or below. Drying can take 24–72 hours depending on the temperature.
Fifth: Sanding for a smooth finish
We sand the deck once dry to eliminate rough areas, fuzzing, and splinters thereby guaranteeing a smooth surface that improves stain absorption.
Sixth: Stain and Seal Expert Staining
For deep penetration and even coverage, we brush premium, oil-based stain from Stain & Seal Experts into the wood.
48–72 hours is the drying time; avoid excessive foot traffic until completely dried.
Why Should Correct Preparation Matter?
Ignoring any one of these stages can cause unequal absorption of stains, early wear, or peeling. Our expert system guarantees that your deck not only looks fantastic but also lasts for years with no upkeep.
Need your deck stained overland park or in Blue Springs?
Let the experts deal with it. For professional cleaning, sanding, and staining, get in touch Staining Grain now.
📐 Get a free quote by calling us right now.
