Your Local Painters Will Protect And Perfect Your Outdoor Space With Our Deck Staining In Cape Coral, FL And Surrounding Areas
If your deck looks a little dingy, cleaning it can help. However, to really get your deck in shape and ensure its longevity, you also need to seal it. Neglected decks that are constantly exposed to UV rays and rain can fade, crack, split and warp over time. A properly-maintained deck not only looks better but also lasts longer. It’s worth noting that this is a multi-day project, as there is waiting time between the cleaning and the sealing. While you can certainly do it yourself, seeking the help of professional deck staining services such as 360° Painting of Cape Coral, FL can make the process much easier for you
Performing a water test is one of the easiest ways to determine whether your deck is ready for sealer or finish. Simply sprinkle some water on the deck surface. If the water is immediately absorbed into the wood, then your deck is ready to be sealed. However, if the water beads up or stands on the surface, then your deck may not require sealing yet. In this case, you may need to apply a new wood treatment to restore its appearance and protect it from potential damage.
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Choosing a Stain or Sealer for Your Deck
When it comes to choosing a deck stain or sealer, it is important to select one that can repel water, resist mildew, and prevent fading in high traffic areas. Sealers and stains are available in two types – water-based or oil-based. Oil-based finishes generally retain their color for a longer duration, while water-based finishes tend to be more durable and long-lasting. There are four major categories of sealants and stains for deck staining, listed below in order of increasing pigment content. Applying more pigment will decrease the visibility of wood grain and texture, but it will provide better protection for your wood.
Clear water repellant
Clear water repellant provides basic protection by waterproofing, offering minimal UV protection, and sometimes preventing mildew growth. These are usually clear or natural-looking finishes, which means that there is a minimal amount of UV protection, and the wood underneath will start to turn gray within a few months. The performance of the repellent ranges from six months to up to two years.
Toner or tinted water repellant
Toner or tinted water repellant is much like a clear sealant, with the addition of color pigment. This extra pigment provides an extra layer of protection against sun damage, which slows down the graying process of the wood. Moreover, the added color helps to restore the wood’s original appearance, even if some amount of fading has already occurred.
Semi-transparent stains
Semi-transparent stains provide subtle color while still showing wood texture, lasting 3-4 years with additional water and sun protection.
Solid stain
Solid stains offers the best protection for wood as it provides the most intense pigment or color. However, it tends to conceal the wood grain, allowing only a portion of the wood’s texture to show through. As a result of its excellent ability to hide blemishes, solid color stain is commonly employed to cover weathered wood, concealing damaged wood fibers. This category usually provides more color options, making it a good option to pick complementary colors for the horizontal boards or railings and the vertical balusters or spindles. The performance of solid color stain often lasts for five years or more, depending on the level of direct exposure to sunlight and weather, as well as the level of foot traffic.
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When selecting a stain, keep in mind that the final color may vary depending on the type of wood used. If you plan on applying a new stain on top of an old one, it is best to choose a color that is similar to or darker than the previous one. Additionally, the old coating should be sufficiently worn or completely removed to allow the new coating to soak into the wood. To ensure the correct color and appearance, try a small test patch of the stain in an inconspicuous area.
Redwood and cedar have natural pigments called tannins that may seep to the surface. On these types of wood, use a dark-colored stain that can help conceal the tannin or use a specialized wood cleaner that can eliminate stains caused by tannins. It is recommended to recoat every 2 to 3 years to maintain a fresh appearance.
Get Started On Your Project
Deck staining services offer the chance to improve the look of your outdoor space while also protecting it. This process will take several days, so don’t hesitate to contact your local 360° Painting of Cape Coral, FL professionals today. We can provide you with a free evaluation and estimate on site. 239-427-2701
