How to Prepare a Wood Deck in Baltimore County for Staining or Sealing

So you have a wood deck in Baltimore County that you want to stain or seal. Sealing is an essential maintenance task for wood decks, as it protects the wood from the effects of the elements. UV rays from the sun can fade the wood, and moisture can cause it to rot if it soaks into the wood. Fortunately, it’s easy to protect your wood deck with sealer. And staining is great for giving your deck a completely new look.

But before you get to sealing or staining, you have to clean your deck first. The most common reason a stain or seal fails is because the deck was not properly cleaned beforehand. If the deck isn’t clean, the sealer or stain can’t apply correctly to the wood, meaning it won’t work as intended. That’s why you need to properly prepare the deck before you stain or seal it by cleaning it! Learn how to do this in our blog.

Make sure to clean your wood deck in Baltimore County before you apply a sealer or stain!

How to Prepare a Wood Deck in Baltimore County for Staining or Sealing

First, you’ll need to find a cleaner. The deck manufacturer may offer recommendations as to what kind of cleaner to use. And remember, always follow all instructions on the label of the cleaner, and wear safety goggles, shoes, and long clothing to protect your skin.

The Cleaning Process for Your Wood Deck in Baltimore County

Pre-Cleaning

First, remove everything that’s on the deck.

Now it’s time to make any necessary repairs. Replace damaged boards or loose nails, and use a pole sander with 80-grit sandpaper to sand any splintered areas. Clean between the boards with a putty knife.

Once you’re finished, sweep away all the debris, and cover any nearby plants with a clear plastic tarp. Wet the plants with the hose before you do this so they don’t dry out.

Cleaning

First, read the instructions on the label and follow any mixing directions. Wet the surface of the wood if necessary.

Now, apply the cleaner using a paint roller with an extension handle. Don’t let the cleaner puddle up, and don’t allow the cleaner to dry. See if you can enlist a family member to help get the job done faster.

Now, with the cleaner still damp on the deck, use a stiff brush or broom to scrub the deck down. Don’t use a wire brush, as they can cause rust spots.

After scrubbing, let the cleaner soak into the wood as directed by the product’s instructions. After this, rinse the cleaner off with a garden hose, rinse and remove the plastic you covered the plants with, and rinse off any equipment you used.

Great! Now you just have to let the deck dry for at least 48 hours, and it will be ready to stain or seal.

Contact Excel Fencing and Decking Today!

Excel Fencing and Decking has been proud to service Baltimore County since 1998, giving you the very best in custom built decks, fences, and home remodeling. If you’re interested in having a top-quality fence installed, give us a call. Our dedicated teams of fence professionals have the know-how and expertise to repair or install any kind of fence. Call us at 410-803-9499 or fill out a contact form and one of Excel’s representatives will contact you promptly.