These coatings show off wood to its best advantage while protecting it from the elements. This Old House decodes the differences between the various types of stain so that you can get the look you want
As with any coating, longevity depends on good preparation and application. Professional painter Rich O'Neil offers his advice for putting penetrating stains on decks and siding.
1. Don't Delay If you see a spot of bare wood or notice fading, get right to work. If you wait too long, you'll have to sand out the gray discoloration before you start.
2. Clean Wet the wood with a hose, then apply a cleaner like Jomax. Let it sit a few minutes, then scrub with a stiff-bristle brush to loosen the dirt. Hose off the debris; don't use a pressure washer, which can gouge wood. Pull out any gunk between boards with a 5-in-1 tool. On vertical surfaces, work from the bottom up.
3. Sand When the wood is dry, rough up the surface with a random-orbit or pole sander fitted with 60-grit paper. Use a leaf blower to blast off the dust.
4. Apply O'Neil favors a thick, 4- to 6-inch block stain brush, like the one here, which gives him better control than a sprayer. To prevent lap marks, work on only two or three boards or courses at a time and go from one end to the other. If spraying or rolling on the finish, always go back and brush the surface.
5. Wipe After 20 minutes, mop up any stain that hasn't penetrated. To avoid spontaneous combustion, put stain-soaked rags in a sealed can filled with water. Dispose of the container at a hazardous-waste center.
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