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Q: How many coats of stain should you put on cedar?

• <div><p>The general consensus is that two coats of stain are required and since the cedar is siding, a third coat of sealant is always a good idea. This helps protect the wood and stain, so you won&rsquo;t need to resand and restain for at least a decade. Each stain after the first will darken the wood, so be aware of that when choosing a colored 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 long should you wait to paint pressure-treated wood until it dries?

• <div><p>You should wait three to six months after you buy it to paint pressure-treated wood. It needs time to dry from the chemicals applied to it. The paint will not adhere to the treated wood as well if it&rsquo;s still wet from chemicals. To test the wooden boards, drip water onto them. If the wood absorbs the water, it&rsquo;s ready for painting. If the water beads up, it&rsquo;s not dry enough to paint yet. You can build your deck or fence while the treated wood is still wet, but you&rsquo;ll need to paint it later. </p></div>

Q: What is the best paint to not show dirt on a deck?

• <div><p>If your biggest concern is making sure your deck doesn&rsquo;t show dirt, opt for a darker neutral color that blends in well with your surrounding landscape. A rich brown or dark grey are both good options that work with a variety of house colors. A high-quality acrylic paint is easy to clean and maintain, so it might be worth spending the money on.</p></div>

Q: Should I stain my deck with a brush or rag?

• <div><p>Staining a deck with a rag is typically a better option than using a brush, as it helps the stain penetrate deeper into the wood. However, both brushes and rags are best reserved for detailed work because using these tools on an entire deck can require tediously crawling around on your hands and knees. A pad applicator, sprayer, or roller are preferred alternatives to applying stain over the majority of a deck. Use a rag for railings and other detailed work, and let the wood soak up as much of the stain as possible before wiping away drips or pools.</p></div>

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Last update on January 01, 2026