Staining your deck on the long weekend?
The long weekend is the usual "open the garden for summer" weekend. We like to think we're going to relax but let's face it, whether you're opening the cottage or staying home and using the backyard, it is, more often than not, a work weekend. We clean barbeques, windows, lawn furniture, garden beds, etc.. And some of the more industrious of us will even take on restaining the deck.Last week I received a press release from the people over at Sico paints announcing a new product launch. This is a new wood stain that makes your outdoor wood look as clean and shiny as your indoor wood. Called Transluscent Exterior Finish, it is a high performance stain that gives the finished product a shiny look as if it's been varnished. The finish lasts longer than a regular outdoor stain and can be used on any outdoor wood piece from fences and decks to furniture.
Sico also sent a list of tips if you're planning on spending your holiday long weekend giving that deck new life:
Sico's Wood Staining Tips:
Cleaning comes first: Wood tends to turn gray with age. Use a good quality wood cleaner to remove loose gray fibres, brighten weathered surfaces and restore the wood to its original colour. Strip wood when needed: If your wood has been previously stained, painted or varnished, strip the surface with an exterior stain remover that’s specially formulated for exterior wood surfaces that are deteriorating and peeling. Rinse well and let the surface dry for a couple of days.
Sand both new and aged wood: To remove imperfections and residue, and open the pores of the wood for a better staining job, sand the surface using 80-grit sandpaper or use 120-grit sandpaper for vertical surfaces. When you’re done, sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. If the water beads, you need to keep sanding. If it penetrates into the wood, your job is complete.
Conditioner is key: To improve penetration of the surface and ensure better adhesion of the stain, use a conditioner before staining, even if the wood is new. Consider environmentally-friendly conditioners like Sico’s biodegradable cleaner, brightener and conditioner, which contains no bleach, phosphate or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It cleans and conditions in one single step.
Weather, tools matter: Wood planks become warped with time, so a paint brush – not a roller – is the best tool to apply a stain. Use brushes that are specifically designed for wood staining. Before you begin your project, ensure the weather has been dry for two to three days and the temperature is between 15º C and 25º C.
To locate a store that sells Sico products near you, check out their store locator on their website. Then go onto HomeStars and check out paint store reviews.
Posted by Cathy
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