Refinishing with stain and paint
When refinishing or painting a deck for the first time, follow these steps for best adhesion, appearance, and longevity.
Inspect and prepare
Remove furniture, planters, grills, and any loose debris.
Replace or repair any rotten or damaged boards and tighten loose fasteners.
Sweep thoroughly to remove dirt and leaves.
Power wash
Use a pressure washer with a fan tip and keep pressure between 500–1200 psi for softwoods (like cedar or pine) and up to 1500–2000 psi for hardwoods to avoid surface damage.
Hold the wand about 6–12 inches from the deck surface and keep the nozzle moving in the direction of the wood grain.
Overlap passes slightly and avoid lingering in one spot to prevent gouging or fiber raising.
Remove mildew and old loose coating; use a deck cleaner or a diluted oxygen bleach solution for stubborn stains and mildew.
Rinse and let dry
Rinse thoroughly until runoff is clear.
Allow the deck to dry completely. Drying time depends on weather and wood type but plan for at least 24–72 hours of warm, dry conditions. In humid or cool weather, drying can take longer.
Confirm dryness by sprinkling water on the wood—if beads form and sit on the surface, the wood is still damp; if it soaks in, it’s ready.
Sanding and final prep (if needed)
Lightly sand any rough areas, raised grain, or remaining paint/stain edges using 80–120 grit sandpaper.
Sweep and vacuum sanding dust, then tack with a microfiber cloth if necessary.
Choose the right product
For stain: select a product suited to the wood species and expected wear (transparent, semi-transparent, semi-solid, or solid). Match stain type (oil- or water-based) to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the decking material.
For paint: use a high-quality exterior deck paint formulated for floors and high traffic.
Check compatibility if you plan to change from oil- to water-based products; you may need a full strip or a compatible primer.
Application
Work in shaded, dry conditions with temperatures within the product’s recommended range.
Stir the stain or paint well; apply with a brush, roller, or low-pressure sprayer. For stain, back-brush or back-roll immediately to ensure even penetration and remove puddles.
Apply thin, even coats. Two thin coats are better than one heavy coat.
Follow the manufacturer’s drying time between coats and before returning furniture.
Curing and maintenance
Allow full cure time before heavy use—this can be several days to a week depending on product and conditions.
Plan routine maintenance: clean annually and recoat as recommended (every 1–5 years depending on finish and exposure).
Key tips
Never stain or paint a wet deck—moisture prevents proper adhesion and leads to peeling and uneven color.
Test a small, inconspicuous area first to confirm appearance and adhesion.
Use protective gear when power washing and handling chemicals: eye protection, gloves, and non-slip footwear.
Following these steps—power wash, dry thoroughly, then apply stain or paint—will give you the best results and a longer-lasting finish.
