5 Tips For Staining Your Deck
Whether you're putting a fresh stain on a brand-new deck or restoring an old one, these 5 tips will help it look its best and ensure that your hard work pays off for the next 3-4 years.
Get Prepped
As the old saying goes, “failing to prepare is preparing to fail," and this couldn’t be truer than it is for proper deck staining. In order for the stain to adhere properly, the wood needs to be prepped by being cleaned of dirt and debris. It is wise to start this process by pressure washing your deck and if needed, using a stain remover to give you a smooth surface to paint on. If your deck is older, you may also want to consider sanding down splinters in the wood and filling any holes, this will provide the perfect base for your project.
Once the deck is cleaned, wait two days for it to fully dry as damp wood will cause the stain to crack and peel prematurely.
Opacity Matters
When it comes to stains, opacity matters. Benjamin Moore’s ARBORCOAT comes in 5 degrees of opacity.
Clear - has no colour added and shows the natural beauty and grain of the wood
Translucent - has a slight tone, does not obscure wood grain and texture
Semi-Transparent - allows most of the grain and texture to show through with a slightly more prominent tone
Semi-Solid - comes in deeper shades and covers imperfections while allowing some wood grain and texture to show through.
Solid - offers the greatest colour depth, covering the majority of imperfections while allowing texture to peek through slightly. 
Choosing the perfect stain opacity for your project depends on what type of wood your deck is made of. Some hardwoods such as mahogany or ipe have a gorgeous grain and texture that shine through when using a more transparent stain like Translucent or Semi Transparent. Softer woods including pine or cedar, benefit from Semi Solid and Solid stains’ innate weather barrier.
When deciding what opacity level is right for your deck, remember that a lighter stain will not show when painted over a solid one.
Consider Colour
After determining the best opacity for your deck stain, turn your attention to its colour. Generally, one of these two techniques is picked for stain colouring:
- The same or similar shade to your home’s trim - this will make your deck stand out against the main field of your house for a unified look that still highlights your deck.
- For a more monochromatic look, use a similar shade as your house’s primary colour, if you want features like your fire pit or dining area as your deck’s focal point.
Benjamin Moore’s ARBORCOAT® Exterior Stains come in thousands of shades so you’ll be sure to find the perfect colour and opacity for your needs!
Order Of Operations
After prepping your deck, choosing your stain, and gathering the necessary materials, it’s time to paint. To achieve the best possible outcome, follow this order of operations.
- Begin with the railings and other raised features using long even strokes, making sure to stain both the inner and outer deck stair handrails. Cover the deck surface with towels or a drop cloth to avoid dripping and protect the base of the deck.
- Next, stain the deck boards in the direction of your exit to avoid staining yourself into a corner. Use a smaller paint brush to get into cracks or problem areas.
- Lastly, stain the stairs and allow the entire deck to dry for at least 24 hours.
Check The Forecast
The weather is extremely important when it comes to any exterior paint project, especially when staining wood.
The ideal temperature for staining is between 10 - 35° Celsius and when there is no threat of precipitation.
Staining in damp, dewy, or frosty conditions will prevent the product from adhering properly. While staining in too hot of weather or in direct sunlight will cause the stain to dry before it has the chance to fully penetrate and protect the wood.
Now that you’ve stained your deck, it’s time to kick back and relax for all of your summer adventures. Visit our experts in store at Skyview Paint and Shades to learn more.