Staining your deck

Should you need to replace part of the surface, be sure to use wood that is of the same quality as the wood used in the original construction. If replacements are not required, prepare the surface adequately before proceeding.
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Choosing the right protection
The right remover
Choosing the right stain
Pay attention:
1. Remove the old protection
2. Apply the stain

Choosing the right protection

The choice of a wood preservative for your patio is an important part of the process. Choosing a paint, stain or sealer will determine both the type of protection and surface you will enjoy.

Should you choose a paint or a sealer instead of a stain, we refer you to Paint your patio or Seal your patio.

The right remover

You may choose from two types of removers:
  • Methyl chloride- or sodium hydroxide-based paint removers are quick: they work and dry in less than 15 minutes. They - and their fumes - are flammable and toxic.

  • Water-based removers are just as efficient, but slower.

Choosing the right stain

Stains are available in transparent, semi-transparent or opaque oil or latex bases. They do not require a primer, are applied to unpainted wood, and only require one coat to treat and colour wood. Stains form a thin film on the surface of the wood, as does paint. But stains offer better protection than paint as they are less inclined to peel or flake. Because they are so thin, stains results in a semi-porous surface. Light coloured opaque stains tend to yellow with time. Stains that call for a coat of protective varnish should be avoided outdoors as they tend to flake.

Pay attention:

The application of wood preservative should, ideally, be done in the shade or under a light sun, on a surface that has been completely dry for at least 48 hours. Plan to let dry for 12 to 24 hours after application.

1. Remove the old protection

To prepare the surface, scrape, sand and remove the existing protection before applying a stain or a sealing preservative or a uniform coat of primer followed by paint.

1.1 

Roughly scrape and sand the entire surface using an electric sander and 80- to 100-grade sandpaper. Clean the surface, apply the remover and strip the old protection with a flexible spatula.

Complete protection removal with a heat gun - be careful not to burn the wood - or by applying an additional coat of remover.

1.2 

Finish preparation by sanding using an electric sander and 100- to 120-grade finishing sandpaper.

1.3 

Clean the surface using a brush or broom to eliminate any trace of remover, dust and paint. You can also use a water hose and pressure nozzle, but you will need to allow 24 to 48 hours of drying time if you do so.

2. Apply the stain

Once all the surfaces of your patio are well prepared, clean and dry, you may proceed with the most interesting part of your work, the application of the stain you have carefully chosen.

2.1 

Apply stains directly onto a sanded and clean surface. Additional coats will make stain more and more opaque without their ever becoming completely opaque, unless you are using an opaque stain.

2.2 

We recommend you apply two coats.
Once your patio has been stained, not only will it be more pleasant to invite some friends over but the summer sun will look brighter.
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