Get matched with top deck staining pros in Pennsboro, WV

You don’t necessarily have to remove all the old paint before repainting your deck, but it’s best to remove as much as possible to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish. Prioritize scraping off loose, peeling, or flaking paint, and sand down rough areas to create a smooth surface for the new paint to bond with.

Pressure-treated wood can not only be painted and stained, but it should be; doing so will help to prevent surface or deck board cracking. Allow the wood to dry out before painting it, as pressure-treated wood from the hardware store takes longer to dry than kiln-dried lumber. If water beads on the surface, it needs additional time to dry—in fact, it can take weeks or even months to fully dry. As soon as the wood absorbs water on the surface, it is ready to be painted or stained.

Beginners can absolutely use a paint sprayer, but there is some technique involved, so you’ll have to spend some time learning how to use your sprayer. It’s a good idea to practice on a scrap surface before moving to your actual painting project to get used to using the sprayer. This can help avoid over spraying, which can lead to drips, bubbles, and other imperfections on your finished product.

You should always wash your deck before staining to remove debris, built-up grime, mold, mildew, and old, flakey finish. Failing to remove these impurities will cause the stain to look patchy, as it cannot evenly saturate the wood grain. Stain may also have drastically reduced lifespan when applied to a dirty surface. Always wait at least 48 hours after cleaning the wood to apply stain to ensure the surface is fully dry.