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Stain - How To's

Here are a few wood staining tips from the pros at Sico Paints:

Surface preparation is key. Durability and shine of a staining project begins with proper surface preparation. Use spring and summer months to prepare wood surfaces for a September stain application. To maintain wood surfaces, clean off loose fibres, mildew, dust or moss stains with an exterior wood restorer product. Rinse the surface with a pressurized clean water jet after 15 minutes and let the surface dry over two or three sunny days. Sand the surface to remove any residue and open the pores of the wood for a better staining job.

Strip wood when needed. If your wood has been previously stained, painted or varnished, strip the surface with an exterior stain remover. For best results, use gentle stripper products specially formulated for exterior wood surfaces that are deteriorating and peeling. After applying the remover, rinse well and let the surface dry for a couple of days. Complete preparations by sanding the surfaces with 80 grit sandpaper.

Even new decks need sanding. To avoid future peeling, sand your new deck with 80 grit paper before staining. Vertical surfaces should also be sanded with 80 grit paper, but a second sanding using 120 grit paper provides a smoother finish. To see if you've done a thorough enough job, let a few drops of water fall onto the surface. If the water beads on the deck, you have more sanding to do. If the water penetrates, you're ready to stain.

Choose the right stain. Select a top-quality stain to give your exterior wood richness and depth. There are highly-durable products available, such as Sico's alkyd translucent exterior wood stain, which can be used on any wood surface, including decks, shutters, balconies and fences. Made using a special alkyd resin formula, Sico's stain provides water resistance and protection against weather, UV rays, cracking, peeling and fading. Remember, transparent stains -- unlike semi-transparent and translucent products -- do not filter UV rays, causing a wood's colour to eventually fade.

Weather conditions and tools matter. Wood planks tend to become warped over time, so a paint brush -- not a roller -- is the best tool to apply a stain. There are brushes available specifically designed for wood and deck staining. Before you begin your project, ensure the weather has been dry for two to three previous days and the temperature is at least 15 C, and not more than 25 C.

Read the product label. If a paint company suggests two coats of stain, don't be misled into thinking that extra coats will provide better protection. A coat that is too thick compromises the flexibility of the stain, which enables the stain to adhere to the shape of the wood without cracking or peeling.Strictly follow re-coat times, which may require waiting times of anywhere from 15 minutes to 24 hours between coats. Only use stains recommended for the job at hand. While a marine varnish works well on a boat, it is too rigid and offers insufficient UV protection for home use.

Re-stain regularly. To keep your exterior wood surfaces looking like new, re-stain them every two to three years. Some surfaces may need more frequent staining, depending on their uses.