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Decks are a great place to relax and entertain—they really are like outdoor rooms. But, because decks are exposed to the elements, as well as a lot of foot traffic, they require maintenance to keep them protected. Properly staining your deck can help maintain its beauty through years of barbecues.
These easy-to-follow simple steps will help you learn how to stain deck and avoid deck problems and get professional-looking results you’'ll be proud of.
Clean wood is important, too—the surface should be free of mildew stains, dirt, debris and contaminants. To clean and prep the deck for staining, wash it with Cabot® Problem Solver™ Wood Cleaner, rinse with clean water and let it dry for two to three days. For more information about prepping your deck, read our article The Basics of Exterior Staining Prep.
Semi-Transparent—Lightly pigmented, these stains impart more color the surface than wood toner stains, while still letting the wood grain to be seen. View semi-transparent colors.
Semi-Solids—Our unique semi-solid/semi-opaque finish masks most of the wood grain, but allows some of the wood texture to be seen. View semi-solid colors.
Solids—Choose these stains if you want a rich, vibrant opaque finish that completely hides the wood grain while allowing very little of the wood texture to show through. View solid colors.
Keep in mind more stain is not better. If you over-apply, stain may peel or crack when exposed to moisture, or produce a sticky surface which can prevent it from drying properly.
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This long-lasting, 100% acrylic finish is also water repellent and fade resistant.
Choose the right stain color for your fence. Consider various opacities.