Choosing a Sealer
Finishing yourdeckstarts with choosing a sealer or stain/sealer.
Keep in mind that all deck stains are also sealers.
Clear sealer offers very little UV protection but retains the natural color of the wood.
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It is not recommended where decks are subject to significant sun exposure.
Solid stain is similar to paint, as it hides the wood’s grain almost completely.
The tradeoff is that solid stain offers the best UV protection.
The Spruce
Cover the plants with a tarp or plastic sheeting to protect them from the deck cleaner.
Prepare the Deck for Cleaning
Sweep the deck thoroughly to remove all loose dirt and debris.
Pour the cleaner into a garden sprayer.
Do not let cleaner dry on the wood.
Let the cleaner sit for 10 to 15 minutes, or as directed.
Scrub the railing and balusters with a stiff, synthetic-bristle scrub brush to remove dirt and discoloration.
Immediately spray the area with clean water, using a garden hose and sprayer.
Repeat to clean the rest the of the railing.
Scrub the boards with a long-handled synthetic-bristle deck brush.
Let the deck dry for at least 48 hours.
Also remove splinters or other potential hazards, using a sharp utility knife or sandpaper.
Wipe away all sanding dust thoroughly.
you’ve got the option to perform this step while the deck is drying after cleaning.
you’re free to also apply a sealer or stain with a garden sprayer.
Work from the far corner of the deck to an exit point.
Oily rags left in direct sunlight can catch fire.
Deck stainsare stain-sealer combinations, so in most cases you wont need to apply an additional sealer.
Each product has its own recommendations for how often it should be reapplied.
In general, its recommended torefinish a deckevery one to three years.
Check your individual product for its recommended dry time.
In general, a minimum 48-hour drying time is recommended for most deckstains and sealers.
Cleaning and Maintenance of Outside Decks.University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.
Steinwachs, Marie.Store Hazardous Products Safely.University of Missouri Extension.
Oily Rags Safety Tips.National Fire Protection Association.
Amburgey, Terry and Ragon, Kevin.Treating Treated WoodDecks.Southern Climatic Housing Report 8.Mississippi State University.
