What is better: wet-sanding or dry-sanding?

• <div><p>Wet-sanding and dry-sanding each have pros and cons. Dry-sanding is less messy, so it’s a good option if you’re trying to minimize dust (for example, if you’re sanding an occupied home or working with particularly dry or dusty drywall mud). However, dry-sanding is quicker because you don’t have to keep rinsing a sponge or wait for it to dry before painting.</p></div>

Get matched with top deck staining pros in Ehrhardt, SC

Q: How do you keep stain rags from combusting?

• <div><p>Rags used with oil-based stains are highly flammable and can spontaneously combust in the right conditions. To reduce the fire risk, throw them in a metal container after use and add rocks on top to secure them. Add an inch of water and seal the container. Take the rags in the container to a hazardous waste factory as soon as possible. </p></div>

Q: Do I need to clean my deck before staining, and what happens if I don't?

• <div><p>Yes, you must thoroughly clean your deck before staining. If you don't, dirt, debris, grease, and mildew can get trapped between the wood and the new stain. This not only looks unsightly but also prevents the stain from penetrating the wood properly, reducing its ability to protect the deck from weather and UV rays. As a result, the stain won't last as long or look as good. Any existing mold or mildew left untreated can continue to grow beneath the new stain, potentially leading to wood rot and structural damage. Always wait at least 48 hours after cleaning for the wood to dry completely before applying stain.</p></div>

Q: What paint is best for an old deck?

• <div><p>The best paint for an older deck depends on the material and whether or not your deck already has a coat of paint. Generally, if your deck already has paint on it, you should choose the same type of paint when repainting the deck. For example, if an old deck has oil-based paint on it, stick with oil; if your deck has water-based paint, choose water-based paint. </p></div>

Q: How do you refresh a painted deck?

• <div><p>You can refresh a painted deck by either giving it a thorough cleaning or <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-refinish-deck.htm">refinishing the deck</a> altogether. Chipped or faded paint, as well as extensive damage, often calls for a new finish. To do this, remove the original coat of paint with a sander and add either a new coat of paint or a stain to protect the wood below.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Staining pros in Ehrhardt, SC

*The Angi rating for Deck Staining companies in Ehrhardt, SC 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 Ehrhardt, SC 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 October 30, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
Great experience super nice. I had trees trimmed that were over my house and few dead limbs removed at a great price. They did a fantastic job with clean up you couldn’t even tell that I had trees trimmed after they left I would definitely recommend this company to anyone.
Kay's Tree Service and Pressure Washing LLC
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Reviewed in June 2025
Jones Tree Service did a great job on removing trees from my yard. I would highly recommend jones tree service for your tree removal project.
Jones Tree, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2024
Awesome job done and super nice people to hire to get a thorough completion. All crew workers were polite and helpful. Clean up was spectacular down to the last twig. I will use them always when needed. I recommend, you do too!
Ace Basin Excavating
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Reviewed in November 2023
East Coast did not waste any time. They removed the tree and ground the stump, plus a couple of small stumps, all for the same price.
East Coast Tree Service
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Reviewed in July 2023
Mike Cortes and Cole Harris were very professional and polite gentleman and they did an amazing job. I love my new shower.
West Shore Home Charleston
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Reviewed in April 2023
Did a great job on my roof, got everything done even construction clean done within 2 days. Tim also a great guy to work with!
Empire Roofing & Remodeling LLC.
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Reviewed in April 2022
He was very professional, did everything on a timely manner, he explained everything clearly, and was very thorough.
CT Home Repair
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Reviewed in October 2021
They did a phenomenal job! He put in a fireplace for me! He redid the whole line and had him come back to work for my stove and pool heater!
Robinson Gas Services LLC
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Reviewed in May 2021
We also had siding put up and a basic platform porch. All great work quick!
Hammertime Roofing & Remodeling LLC
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Reviewed in October 2014
<p>-D<strong>AVID AND THE CREW DID A FANTASTIC JOB CLEANING MY HISTORIC C.1897 VICTORIAN HOME FROM THE ROOF DOWN INCLUDING ALL PAINTED SURFACES, WINDOWS AND BRICKWORK AS WELL AS 2 WOODEN DECKS, A BRICK PATIO, CIRCULAR DRIVE AND CURBSIDE SIDEWALK. DUSTIN AND JIMMY CAME OUT FOR A PRELIMINARY...
PALMETTO PRESSURE CLEAN
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Find Deck staining pros in Ehrhardt

Better Built Custom Home Builders

5.0(

)

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Ehrhardt, SC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"The project was top notch. Not only did they consistently show up on time, but they finished the project early and very Professional. Final project turned out great"

Response time7 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Mike's Painting & Pressure Washing

4.7(

)

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Ehrhardt, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 1996

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"
We recently purchased a 2nd home on Lake James with an exterior that is 100% cedar. The exterior was in serious need of cleaning and re-staining. It had not been maintained; and, had a significant amount of mold staining and several areas of the trim had the original finish peeling off.

We contracted with Mike and Crystal to prep and re-stain the exterior of our home. Throughout the process, Mike demonstrated thoroughness, competency and responsibility. Mike and Crystal took personal responsibility to ensure they delivered a quality product. Mike kept his commitments and did not compromise his work product even when faced with the stripping process taking more time than he expected. He completed the project per the schedule he committed.

Mike demonstrated a high attention to detail in the finishing process and ensured the project was completed to my satisfaction. The home looks beautiful...we could not be happier.

I solicited bids from several paint contractors and evaluated several before selecting Mike. His pricing was very competitive versus several other contractors; but, I never observed where Mike cut corners.

I would definitely recommend MIke's Painting and will plan to use Mike again when we have painting needs.

"

+161

Recommended by91%of homeowners

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Luke's Painting Company

4.4(

)

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Ehrhardt, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"He pressure washed it and then painted a stain on it. It looks amazing!!"

+76

Recommended by93%of homeowners

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Ehrhardt, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

"He finished on time and did quality wok. The house as left clean & no paint on the floor. I was very happy with his work."

Recommended by82%of homeowners

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Ehrhardt, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Credit card accepted

"Very well, completed when said they would and cleaned up after installation."

Recommended by92%of homeowners

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Welcome Home Moving Services

5.0(

)

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Ehrhardt, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Tanya and her crew are professional and get the job done."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Ehrhardt, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I was very impressed with the quality of work received and professionalism of of Not Just a Handy Man. I had several rooms painted and was even able to get a tv installed. I would definitely use this company in the future for other projects!"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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JR Painting and Cleaning

4.3(

)

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Ehrhardt, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 1987

Free estimates

"Excellent work on exterior paint. Vinyl flawless. Estimate/bid very competitive."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Ehrhardt, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Lee Jones, the owner of the company, is very easy to work with. He instructs his crew of his expectations. He follows up to see if work is completed to specification. The exterior of our house looks great. This company surpassed what we expected. We have hired them to do interior work for us. Mr. Jones crew is very courteous and worked the entire time they were here, except for a lunch break. We would not hesitate recommending them."

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Ehrhardt, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"He always does amazing work, and has never failed to please me yet."

Response time4 hrs

Response rate93%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 36

Deck Staining questions, answered by experts

Rags used with oil-based stains are highly flammable and can spontaneously combust in the right conditions. To reduce the fire risk, throw them in a metal container after use and add rocks on top to secure them. Add an inch of water and seal the container. Take the rags in the container to a hazardous waste factory as soon as possible.

Yes, you must thoroughly clean your deck before staining. If you don't, dirt, debris, grease, and mildew can get trapped between the wood and the new stain. This not only looks unsightly but also prevents the stain from penetrating the wood properly, reducing its ability to protect the deck from weather and UV rays. As a result, the stain won't last as long or look as good. Any existing mold or mildew left untreated can continue to grow beneath the new stain, potentially leading to wood rot and structural damage. Always wait at least 48 hours after cleaning for the wood to dry completely before applying stain.

The best paint for an older deck depends on the material and whether or not your deck already has a coat of paint. Generally, if your deck already has paint on it, you should choose the same type of paint when repainting the deck. For example, if an old deck has oil-based paint on it, stick with oil; if your deck has water-based paint, choose water-based paint.

You can refresh a painted deck by either giving it a thorough cleaning or refinishing the deck altogether. Chipped or faded paint, as well as extensive damage, often calls for a new finish. To do this, remove the original coat of paint with a sander and add either a new coat of paint or a stain to protect the wood below.

Wet-sanding and dry-sanding each have pros and cons. Dry-sanding is less messy, so it’s a good option if you’re trying to minimize dust (for example, if you’re sanding an occupied home or working with particularly dry or dusty drywall mud). However, dry-sanding is quicker because you don’t have to keep rinsing a sponge or wait for it to dry before painting.

The Ehrhardt, SC 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
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 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
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 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
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 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.
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.
Deirdre Sullivan
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 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.
Audrey Bruno
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 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.