Most of the complaints about deck stain come from having unrealistic expectations or not enough information when choosing the right product for you. The following tips and advice can help you achieve your objective, which is to have a beautiful and protected deck at your home.
The first thing to know is that deck stain must be reapplied often. Don’t expect it to last the many years that interior paints do or even the paint on your home. Your deck isn’t protected from full assault by rain and sun, so no matter how much you spend on a quality deck stain, you can expect to need to do it again in two to four years. Yes, there are products that claim they can last longer, but their projections are based on a perfect set of circumstances that your property may or may not have.
The next thing to understand about deck stain is that there are different types. You’ll get a different result depending on whether you go with a clear, semi-transparent or solid deck stain. Consider whether you want the wood grain to show through or if you want a deep, rich color. Also, consider that a clear deck stain has even less lasting power, so it will need to be reapplied each year. Semi-transparent deck stain provides a longer life and you’ll still see some of the wood grain. Solid deck stain is more like paint in that it can provide complete coverage, but it is prone to peeling, cracking, and chipping.
If you need advice about deck stain and need a professional to take care of the prep work and application that will give you the best results, give us a call at Prep-Rite Painting. Prep-Rite isn’t just our name – it is our dedication to getting great results by taking the time to make sure surfaces are in ideal condition before applying deck stain, paint or other coatings. Contact us today to learn more about deck stain and our company.