5 Excellent Tips on How to Prevent Your Deck Stain from Peeling

Solid colour stains are the new upcoming trend when it comes to taking care of your deck. They are better than semi-transparent stains, because if you have blemishes on your floor, solid stains can help cover up old and damaged layers and make the deck look spectacular. The solid stains do not seep into the patio but instead sit on top of the floor similar to regular paint. Deck staining companies generally offer a select set of colours. However, customizations are available in-store.

Both the application and maintenance of solid stains are different from semi-transparent stains because of the peculiarities of the product itself. According to companies that provide deck staining services, the biggest issue with solid stains is peeling. Here are a few reasons why peeling occurs and how you could care for your deck.

Do Not Use Solid Paints on Surfaces Meant for Walking

Some solid deck stains are pretty similar to house paints, meant to be put on vertical wood panels and sidings, and are not durable enough to be painted on horizontal surfaces. If you use this sort of stain, it would not hold up against the strain that a walking surface goes through. You have to pay attention to what’s written on the label to know the characteristic features of the product. There are special stains available which are specifically meant for this purpose and can be used on multiple surfaces, both horizontal and vertical.

Do Not Allow Ponding Water on the Boards

Old boards on the deck can warp over time and get cup-like depressions. This would eventually start collecting water over time, especially during the rainy seasons and peel the stains. Sanding before staining can help with this issue. There are plenty of companies providing floor sanding in Perth, which you could look up if you’re not confident in doing it yourself. 

Make Sure the Floorboards Are Well-ventilated

The floorboards on the deck need to ventilate for the wood to dry out and not grow mould. Ventilation can be hampered if the deck is built too close to the ground, does not get enough sunlight or the boards are too tightly-skirted. Therefore, it is essential to air out the deck before staining so that it does not peel.

Clean the Surface Thoroughly Before Application

The deck should be wiped down, preferably with a non-toxic cleaning solution before beginning the process of staining. This removes dirt, oil, and grime, giving the stain a clean surface to hold on to. The wood also becomes more porous on cleaning and thereby holds the dye on for longer, as solid stains sit on top of the wood instead of being absorbed.

Clean the Existing Stain Before a New Application

If there is an existing stain on your deck, it should be removed as much as possible before further use of dye. Not cleaning would lead the old paint to peel off, taking the fresh coat with it. You could follow the following steps: power wash, scrape, sand, and remove. Taking the old stain off before application would ensure a longer life for the new stain.