Q: Should I pressure wash my deck before I paint it?

• <div><p>You don&rsquo;t have to pressure wash your deck before painting. However, you must clean the deck, and pressure washing is one of the most efficient methods. Pressure washing quickly removes flaked paint, wood fibers, and embedded dirt. It also gets much deeper into the wood surface than manually scrubbing the deck&mdash;and the cleaner the deck, the better the paint can adhere. Ensure the wood is fully dry before applying paint.</p><p> </p></div>

Q: How do I keep my cedar from graying?

• <div><p>If you don&rsquo;t treat a cedar fence, it will turn from reddish brown to gray over time. You can keep the cedar from graying and retain its attractive, deep red color by sealing your cedar fence with a stain that keeps the wood&rsquo;s oils in and serves as a barrier against the sun&rsquo;s UV rays.</p></div>

Q: How do I know when it’s time to restain my deck?

• <div><p>You&rsquo;ll need to restrain your deck when you notice fading, cracking, peeling, or mold and mildew over a moderate to large area, or when it&rsquo;s become especially difficult to clean. As for <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-often-should-you-stain-your-deck.htm">how often to stain a deck</a>, plan to do it every two to three years or whenever you start to notice extended damage. </p></div>

Question 1

Should I pressure wash my deck before I paint it?

Accepted Answer

•

You don’t have to pressure wash your deck before painting. However, you must clean the deck, and pressure washing is one of the most efficient methods. Pressure washing quickly removes flaked paint, wood fibers, and embedded dirt. It also gets much deeper into the wood surface than manually scrubbing the deck—and the cleaner the deck, the better the paint can adhere. Ensure the wood is fully dry before applying paint.

Question 2

Can liquid rubber damage my deck?

Accepted Answer

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Liquid rubber is great for waterproofing, but it can damage your deck if it’s not applied correctly. First, it can trap moisture in the wood if the deck isn’t completely dry before application. Second, applying it too thickly can create a heavy, rubbery surface layer that peels and cracks under fluctuating temperatures. For the best results, ensure the wood is completely dry before application, and apply the liquid rubber in thin, even coats. A quick inspection every now and then will help you catch any issues early, keeping your deck protected and looking its best.

Question 3

How do I keep my cedar from graying?

Accepted Answer

•

If you don’t treat a cedar fence, it will turn from reddish brown to gray over time. You can keep the cedar from graying and retain its attractive, deep red color by sealing your cedar fence with a stain that keeps the wood’s oils in and serves as a barrier against the sun’s UV rays.

Question 4

How do I know when it’s time to restain my deck?

Accepted Answer

•

You’ll need to restrain your deck when you notice fading, cracking, peeling, or mold and mildew over a moderate to large area, or when it’s become especially difficult to clean. As for how often to stain a deck, plan to do it every two to three years or whenever you start to notice extended damage.

Question 5

How long will limewash last?

Accepted Answer

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How long limewash will last depends on the quality of the application and the porosity of the surface. For example, a limewash on brick will last five to seven years. If it's a home exterior application, exposure to specific weather conditions is also a factor. Limewash tends to develop a patina over time, and its natural look masks damage and imperfections well.