Deck refinishing advise
Looking to refinish my deck. Possible DIY tips and tools needed for a good output. Have seen a few videos, also wanted to hear from you guys. Check the pics for the current state. Thanks.
Jun 3rd, 2021 5:39 pm
Jun 3rd, 2021 6:03 pm
Jun 3rd, 2021 6:11 pm
Which means if you go the second route choose a semi transparent stain that does not peel! Which means that maintenance coats in future years will not require you to remove the existing stains before proceeding.backbones wrote: ↑ You have two roads to choose from:
One road is to choose a solid stain. This will cover the grain of the wood and conceal the areas in which the existing stain has peeled.
The second road is to choose a semi transparent stain. This will show the grain of the wood. But it will mean you would have to remove your existing stain before applying the new stain.
Jun 3rd, 2021 8:29 pm
Jun 3rd, 2021 9:54 pm
Jun 3rd, 2021 10:10 pm
Jun 4th, 2021 1:03 am
Let's say you ultimately want to use a semi transparent stain. You will have to get rid of your old existing stain. There are a couple of ways to remove, each with their pros and cons.periyava1894 wrote: ↑ What are the steps involved here ? Clean, Pressure wash and stain? Please help me understand the process.
Jun 4th, 2021 1:15 am
So as you can see, removing an old stain is a pain in the butt. However, if you choose a semitransparent stain that doesn't peel or flake off, then you will only have to do it this one time. Any future applications in subsequent years would simply involve washing the dirt etc off your deck, and the reapplying the same stain.backbones wrote: ↑ Let's say you ultimately want to use a semi transparent stain. You will have to get rid of your old existing stain. There are a couple of ways to remove, each with their pros and cons.
1) Use chemical stain strippers. In my experience the results have always been moderate at best because you will always have some stubborn residual stain remaining. There will be the temptation to expedite the process by rinsing away the stripper with a power washer and you will see the old stain removed. However you run the risk of damaging your wood from getting too close to the wood and/or using too high of a pressure setting. You would then have to sand off the rest of the remaining stain. Use a brightener after you use a stripper to neutralize the stripper prior to staining.
2) Use a sander. But you will have first have to countersink the nails that are sticking up so that your sandpaper doesn't get torn to shred. Depending on the size of your deck, you can rent ones for floors or decks. Or you can use belt sanders or orbitals sanders for smaller decks or tighter spaces. I have found that 40 grit is good for removing the stain, and then 60 grit is good for smoothing the wood before staining.
Jun 4th, 2021 3:54 pm
Jun 4th, 2021 8:11 pm
I would have flipped the boards on my old deck if it were held down by screws. It was nailed to the joists and it's almost impossible to lift the boards up without damaging them. I ended up using a orbital sander and stripped the old stain and mildew off the boards. Finished the deck with timber oil and it looked amazing like brand new. Now into the second summer I can see the stain has faded somewhat, but should hold up for this year till reapplication next spring/summer.
Jun 4th, 2021 9:00 pm
Jul 20th, 2022 7:13 pm
Jul 28th, 2022 9:57 am
Any feedback on this? Thanks!sunnyinon wrote: ↑ I'm glad I found this thread. We have a 20 year-old deck which has semi-transparent stain regularly applied by the previous owner. It's past due for staining this year.
My main question is how to know if I should replace a board or not? I have couple areas that look like OP's first picture from the left, and some which have cracks in them. Sunny areas the stain is mostly gone.
Jul 28th, 2022 11:30 am
Jul 28th, 2022 12:37 pm
If your boards that look like the OP's first picture on the left, then replacement really depends on where that "damage" is on your deck and how long you plan on staying there. If it is in the main area where you spend all your time, then you may want to replace it now, but that board does not appear to be rotting yet (or may be just starting to rot), and can probably still last another 5+ years if cleaned up and re-stained. It really depends on what yours actually looks like. Just break off any fragile pieces, sand down the edges. You could maybe toss some bleach on it to kill any fungus that may have started. Structurally, that board is still perfectly sound and is just not pretty to look at. I wouldn't worry about boards with cracks in them.sunnyinon wrote: ↑ I'm glad I found this thread. We have a 20 year-old deck which has semi-transparent stain regularly applied by the previous owner. It's past due for staining this year.
My main question is how to know if I should replace a board or not? I have couple areas that look like OP's first picture from the left, and some which have cracks in them. Sunny areas the stain is mostly gone.
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