WHEN TO OIL, STAIN OR PAINT YOUR DECK
If your deck has been previously finished with either an oil or stain coating, it is recommended that you use a product that is compatible as this will give you the best result. Here are a few tips on how to tell how your deck has been treated previously.
Oil: You will know if your deck has been treated with oil as oiling will not change the colour of your timber, hence it will appear natural in colour. If a timber is oiled and left too long, the timber will begin to turn grey in colour indicating it is time to re-treat the deck.
Stain: You will be able to tell if your deck has been stained as the wood colouring will appear blotchy when weathered. The other key sign to look for when distinguishing whether the boards have been stained is the stain will sit on top of the timber and not stain the sides of the timber boards.
Paint: You will be able to tell your deck has been painted as there will be no sign of timber colourings, instead a colour has been painted over the top. The paint may be beginning to chip or crack, indicating it is ready for a fresh coat.
HOW TO OIL, STAIN OR PAINT YOUR DECK
1. OIL
You will know that your deck needs a new coat of oil when your deck is fading in colour or the surface is checking. It is important to clean the deck thoroughly using a stiff bristle brush. If your decks weathered and grey, a deck cleaner to remove any dead grey timber cells to revitalise your deck. Secondly, use a water bead test, to test if the deck is ready for oil application. If the water is absorbed, the deck will absorb the oil although if the water is not absorbed, the deck will need to be weathered further until the water is absorbed. Finally, apply the oil using a decking brush to ensure the oil gets into the grain of the wood. When applying a second coat, using a lamb’s wool applicator will provide you a smooth finish.
2. STAIN
If your deck is looking a little tired, then using a decking stain is an inexpensive and easy way to rejuvenate the look of your deck. To begin, ensure the surface of the timber is cleaned thoroughly with a deck cleaner when the deck is weathered and grey and utilise a stiff bristle brush to remove natural oils. Using a water bead test, is a great way to test if the natural oils have been removed. If water cannot penetrate the timber, then neither will your decking stain. If you are applying the stain for the first time, utilise a decking brush to to ensure you get into the grain of the wood. When applying maintenance coats of oil, it is best to apply using a lamb’s wool applicator. For the best results, we recommend applying two to three coats of decking stain.
3. PAINT
If you are seeing cracks and chipping in your paint, then it is definitely time to give your deck a fresh coat. Firstly, sand back the current paint coat and clean the deck thoroughly using a deck cleaner, if the deck is weathered and grey and scrub with a stiff bristle brush. It is important to note that if your deck has already been treated with an oil or stain, it is recommended you do not apply paint. Apply the water bead test to the deck to ensure that absorption will be effective when applying paint. Ensure that any loose nails have been replaced and any holes have been filled with exterior grade putty. Using a natural bristle brush, apply the paint in one direction to ensure that brush strokes go in the direction of the grain and from end to end of the plank, resulting in smooth application.
No doubt these tips and tricks have given you the motivation to revive your deck to get ready for Spring. Pop into your local Paint Place store for more expert tips and advice, and ensure you give your deck the best treatment possible.
