Warm weather is arriving, and it is a great time to kick back in your lounge chair, with a cool drink in your hand while enjoying a beautiful sunset on your gorgeous deck.  

Gorgeous deck?

Wait, your deck doesn’t look gorgeous!? We can help you fix it.

Wood decks take a beating. They are constantly exposed to the damaging effects of the sun, standing water, snow, pets and foot traffic. Without preventive maintenance, your wood deck will begin to turn gray and age. If ignored for too long it will begin to deteriorate, which can lead to costly repairs. To protect your deck against an early demise follow these helpful tips or contact your nearest Diamond Vogel Paint Store for detailed step-by-step instructions.
 

One of the easiest ways to protect your investment is to apply a penetrating stain recommended for deck surfaces that repels water and offers protection from the sun’s ultra violet light.  Stains that penetrate are preferred since they don't typically result in peeling, requiring additional preparation steps to re-apply the coating. 

Diamond Vogel’s Grain Stain Exterior Semi-Transparent Oil Stain is an excellent penetrating stain choice. For the ultimate in protection from ultra violet light, look for a stain that takes advantage of trans-oxide pigments. Trans-oxide pigments impart beautiful, rich, clear colors that really highlight the natural beauty of the wood. Diamond Vogel’s Grain Stain Semi-Transparent Deck Stain uses trans-oxide pigments and provides long term protection and beauty for your deck.

To offer the most protection the stain should deeply penetrate the wood. For the best penetration of the stain, the wood's water moisture content should be very low. In the case of new decks a sufficient drop in moisture content may take up to six months.  A wood moisture meter can assist you in determining if your deck is ready for coating. Your nearest Diamond Vogel store has them and can help you with their use.

 

As with all coating projects, attentive surface preparation is the key to a long lasting finish. In order for the stain to penetrate and look great, the deck must be free of dirt, dust, mildew, and previous coatings. Sanding the wood and wiping it clean will give you the best results, but is not always practical.

Power washing can be a good second choice, and using special deck preparation cleaning products can make the job easier. We have a full line of deck cleaners, strippers, and brighteners specifically for wood decks. Your local Diamond Vogel Paint Store can assist you with power washing tips, selection of cleaning products, and mildew removal techniques for your specific project.

After preparation, it is very important to ensure the deck is dry before applying any finish. Allow the deck to dry for two to three days before moving on. 
 

You can apply the stain by brush, roller, or spray. For best results always brush the stain into the decking. Two coats of stain is recommended for maximum durability. Pay careful attention to the recommended application procedures. Many stains require an application technique called “wet-on-wet.” This is when the second coat of stain is applied before the first coat is throughly dried.

To avoid extensive surface preparation, and for the ultimate protection of your investment, reapply a new coat of stain every two to three years. If the deck does not show signs of graying, a quick cleaning to remove dirt, dust, mildew, and other debris is all that is normally required before applying another coat of defense.

For further information on preparing and staining decks, contact your nearest Diamond Vogel Paint Store

View our Grain Stain Exterior Wood Stain Planner for color information and inspiration.