What is included in exterior house painting?

• <div><p>Generally, these steps are included in exterior house painting:</p><ul><li><p>Prepping and protecting the areas not being painted</p></li><li><p>Scraping away loose paint</p></li><li><p>Cleaning off dirt, grease, and debris</p></li><li><p>Caulking gaps and openings</p></li><li><p>Priming with a quality paint primer</p></li><li><p>Painting the prepared areas, including trim and accents with chosen <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/best-types-exterior-paint.htm">paint finish</a></p></li><li><p>Adding a second coat</p></li><li><p>Cleaning up the site and disposing of tape, plastic, and drop cloths</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Do I need to stain Ipe decking?

• <div><p>No, you don't need to stain Ipe decking, although you can if you want to change the color. You will, however, need to apply a UV coating if you don't want the natural color to fade. Speak to a <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/deck-staining/">deck staining specialist near you</a> to discuss the best options if you want to stain your decking. And remember that you’ll need to seal your Ipe wood deck annually to protect it from scratches and Mother Nature. </p></div>

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Q: Does bleach harm wood?

• <div><p>Oxygen bleach uses hydrogen peroxide as a base and won&rsquo;t harm wood when using it as a cleaner. On the other hand, chlorine bleach breaks down wood at the cellular level and causes irreversible harm. Although you may not see immediate damage to wood after exposing it to chlorine bleach, its strength and integrity are now compromised.</p></div>

Q: Does wood stain go bad?

• <div><p>Wood stain does go bad, but it will last in the can for between three and six years, provided you use proper storage techniques. Storing wood stain in open containers or in extremely low or high temperatures will cause your wood stain to become unusable much more quickly. Water- and latex-based wood stains typically last for just two to four years, while oil-based wood stains can last for three to six years. </p></div>

Q: Do I need to sand an old deck before staining?

• <div><p>In most cases, sanding an old deck before staining it is necessary to achieve a decent finish. If your old deck has a relatively new stain finish on it and you're only doing touch-ups, you can generally skip the sanding part. However, if your goal is to make the deck look and function better, sanding first is a must. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Staining pros in Spencer, IA

*The Angi rating for Deck Staining companies in Spencer, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Staining needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Deck Staining companies in Spencer, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Staining needs.

Last update on June 29, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
Rigo and his crew did a great job. They came within a few weeks of hiring them, were very efficient, did good work, and cleaned up afterwards.
RLC CONCRETE & MORE LLC
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Reviewed in April 2026
Had my tub/shower taken out and replaced with a shower. The contractor did a fabulous job!!! Very professional!!!
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in November 2025
Painted large garage walls and ceiling. Did an excellent job and will hire them again in summer of 2026. Highly recommend.
True Paint LLC
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Reviewed in October 2025
Brighton did a wonderful job! He was careful not to tear up my lawn. They cleaned up very well and did everything I asked him to. Arrived on time and completed in a timely fashion for a reasonable price. I would highly recommend considering him if you need trees or bushes removed or if you...
Crown Tree Services LLC
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Reviewed in October 2025
Installed fence and trained us how everything worked trained our little frencie all in a couple hrs works great
Dog Guard
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Reviewed in October 2024
Todd did a very nice job building a roof over our deck. We are enjoying it so much.
Huck's Home Repair
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Reviewed in October 2023
Great company! Great craftsmanship! Very fair pricing! Will definitely call again when the time comes.
Snyder Garage Doors, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2023
they designed a gutter on a difficult corner of my house. with all this rain i did not have one drop of water in my basement!. I am beyond amazed and very grateful. Then they returned and fixed a problem my grandson made when he put up the back gutter. Although it wasnt their work or even...
Go Gutters
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Reviewed in June 2022
He was very curtious. Answered my questions got right to work. Did a great job. Cleaned up afterwards I am very pleased with the results
Advanced Interior Care, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2022
Very nice work! Work was done in a timely manner! Will hire again!
Strohman Concrete
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Find Deck staining pros in Spencer

S&K REMODELING

5.0(

)

Serving Spencer, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Job was done when they said they were going to be done and great work very happy with the work that was done in my house will call them again"

+37

Response time2 hrs

Response rate100%

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Spencer, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"GregorMade built a beautiful wood kitchen table for my family. The detail and finish of the table was incredible."

Response time12 hrs

Response rate98%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Welcome Home Moving Services

5.0(

)

Serving Spencer, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They were excellent, I would highly recommend. Everyone was very professional and showed up right when they said they would. They were gentle and everything arrived intact. They had us on the road in no time."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Dave Navarro Construction

5.0(

)

Serving Spencer, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

"The workmanship was excellent. The work was completed within the time frame agreed upon as well as the price quoted. Everything was done very professionally from start to finish. I HIGHLY recommend Dave Navarro Construction for any interior remodeling. I will definitely use him again - without hesitation."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Fresh Coat Painting

New to Angi

Serving Spencer, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Serving Spencer, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I only use James when I need some work done to my house. He responds fast, gets the work done quicker than just about anyone else I've ever used and seems very concerned with leaving his customers happy."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

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Hare Painting & Sandblasting, Inc.

New to Angi

Serving Spencer, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1981

Free estimates

Hare Painting & Sandblasting, Inc., has been doing business for the State of Iowa for 2 decades. Our specialty is painting and we only use the finest products and up to date equipment. Excellence is our main priority and communication is always a must. When making your decision for your painting project, trust the best, Hare Painting & Sandblasting, Inc.

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Deck Staining questions, answered by experts

Generally, these steps are included in exterior house painting:

Prepping and protecting the areas not being painted
Scraping away loose paint
Cleaning off dirt, grease, and debris
Caulking gaps and openings
Priming with a quality paint primer
Painting the prepared areas, including trim and accents with chosen paint finish
Adding a second coat
Cleaning up the site and disposing of tape, plastic, and drop cloths

No, you don't need to stain Ipe decking, although you can if you want to change the color. You will, however, need to apply a UV coating if you don't want the natural color to fade. Speak to a deck staining specialist near you to discuss the best options if you want to stain your decking. And remember that you’ll need to seal your Ipe wood deck annually to protect it from scratches and Mother Nature.

Oxygen bleach uses hydrogen peroxide as a base and won’t harm wood when using it as a cleaner. On the other hand, chlorine bleach breaks down wood at the cellular level and causes irreversible harm. Although you may not see immediate damage to wood after exposing it to chlorine bleach, its strength and integrity are now compromised.

Wood stain does go bad, but it will last in the can for between three and six years, provided you use proper storage techniques. Storing wood stain in open containers or in extremely low or high temperatures will cause your wood stain to become unusable much more quickly. Water- and latex-based wood stains typically last for just two to four years, while oil-based wood stains can last for three to six years.

In most cases, sanding an old deck before staining it is necessary to achieve a decent finish. If your old deck has a relatively new stain finish on it and you're only doing touch-ups, you can generally skip the sanding part. However, if your goal is to make the deck look and function better, sanding first is a must.

The Spencer, IA homeowners’ guide to deck staining services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Deane Biermeier
•
May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Stain a Deck? [2026 Data]
The cost to stain a deck varies depending on its size, location, and type of stain. Keep reading to learn more about how much you might spend.
Deirdre Sullivan
•
May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
5 Deck Stain Problems and How to Fix Them
Don’t let deck stain problems steal the spotlight from your outdoor space. Here is how to fix these issues before your next backyard party.
Erica Lamberg
•
May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
How Often to Stain Your Deck and When to Do It
The best time to stain a deck is when it’s dry but not too sunny. How often you restain a deck depends on climate and wood type, but every two to three years is normal.
Deirdre Sullivan
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
What Are the Pros and Cons of Staining a Deck?
A well-stained deck is beautiful and durable. Dive into the pros and cons of staining a deck to help your outdoor oasis stand the test of time.
Angi
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
Who to Hire for Deck Staining and Painting Services
Not sure who to hire for deck staining and painting? Learn which pros to call, how they work, and how to choose the right fit.
Audrey Bruno
•
Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 2026
When Is the Best Time to Stain a Deck?
There isn’t just one best time to stain a deck but a couple, and which you choose will depend on factors like local climate and materials used.