Are you planning on adding a deck to your property this year? Have you tried to clean your existing one to no avail?
Element Painters Inc. are here to help
Read on to find out what’s involved with staining a deck and how you can maintain its appearance for longer making your deck stand out for the right reasons. If you use your deck as an outdoor family room during the warmer months you want it to look its best for friends and family to enjoy.
There are plenty of options for staining out there and we find the best one for your project during our colour consultation.Due to exposure to UV rays and weather extremes your deck can begin to fade, crack, split and warp. Depending on the state of the wood we begin by cleaning the deck with a pressure washer and then applying a wood cleaner if necessary. Just as Rome wasn’t built in a day neither can a deck be finished in a day. For best results after the prep we would lightly sand the area to be stained for smooth results. Once we are satisfied that the deck is prepped and dry for staining we can start the application process.

Here are some Q and A's that we are frequently asked
Why do
I need to stain my deck?
Being an
outdoor room or an extension of your property you want
it to reflect the atmosphere in your home so we recommend
treating it like an indoor room. Tender loving care
is required and in return you can enjoy a beautiful
deck for longer.
Why do some parts of my deck look
more worn than others?
Depending
on how and where your deck is located the extreme weather
in Canada can have a detrimental effect on your deck
and furniture. During the summer months exposure to
the sun can damage it by graying it leaving it looking
dull and lifeless. During the winter snow and freezing
conditions can cause unsightly mold to appear and dry
out porous woods.
A good idea during the warmer
months is to change the position of your furniture frequently
so the damage is minimal. In the winter if your deck
is exposed to the elements but won’t be in use then
try covering it with tarp where it is most likely to
come in contact with snow. Some stains on the market
are more resistant to adverse effects like weathering.
We will advise you as to your best option depending
upon your requirements.
How do I decide
what will look best and be durable to wear and tear?
Aesthetically a beautiful deck is an added
compliment to your house and we understand that and
guide you through the different coatings and their advantages
and disadvantages. If you use your deck for gatherings
and such throughout the year a more robust stain may
be a good choice. If the deck is an addition that will
house barbecues and such a natural stain could be a
valid option. There are a few eco alternatives that
offer great colours and richness that will last throughout
the year. Call us and ask us about our deck services
and we will answer your questions.
Why does my stain
peel and how do I stop it ?
Peeling stain is a repeat offender if not treated
properly before applying new stain. It can happen for
a multitude of reasons. Drying out of the wood underneath
is common as is harsh weather conditions. We would start
by removing the peeling stain with a pressure washer
set at 1000 psi to 1200 psi working with the grain so
as not to damage it further, then we would lightly sand
to remove the rest and start fresh so it won’t be a
problem again.
How come my deck
looks grey?
Greying is
a term used to describe the damage done by the weather.
A brightener can remedy this before applying a new coat
of stain.
What’s the best time of year to apply
stain?
The best time to apply stain is during spring
or fall when the climate is not too hot and not too
cold. We apply our stains out of direct sunlight to
achieve superior results.
Is better to use
a brush or spray painting equipment?
For speed and efficiency, spray painting is an
option. Preferably brush application is the best bet
as the stain can seep into the pores and achieve richer
results. For the first coat a spray painting system
is fine but we prefer to use a brush on most of our
projects.
How do I keep my
deck clean once you have stained it?
Just like you would keep you floor clean in the
house. Get rid of debris that builds up in the corners,
removing all leaves and other particles. Wash the deck
according to instructions we provide. Enjoy your fabulous
new deck and furniture treatment and look after it and
it will stay looking great for years.
There are many possibilities for your deck and wooden furniture that offer superior results and durability. Call Element Painters Inc. today to talk to one of our qualified team members about your project and we will make your deck the envy of your neighbours.
647-295-7994 or 416-462-3197
Email: info@elementpainters.com