How to Stain a Deck for Rain
- 1). Check the forecast every day and wait for a day that has little to no chance of rain to begin staining.
- 2). Use a chisel or other flat implement to clear out any gunk between the boards of the deck. Twigs, dirt and other things caught between the boards may interfere with staining and can dirty paintbrushes and stain quickly.
- 3). Use a broom to sweep off the surface of the deck prior to staining. Sweep along the direction of the grain, otherwise you will likely sweep pebbles and twigs back into the cracks between the deck boards. If you have access to a leaf blower, use it to blow off any particles that you miss.
- 4). Read the directions on your can of wood stain carefully and make sure to follow any special recommended preparations.
- 5). Starting from one side of the deck, use your paintbrush to paint stain onto the deck boards, painting with the grain. You can paint three or four boards at a time as you move down the deck. Make sure you plan your staining in such a way that you will not have to walk across an area that you have already stained until it is dry. Do not touch any area that you have stained.
- 6). Pour stain into a paint tray and use a paint roller to roll stain over large areas of deck more quickly. Using a paintbrush can be more precise than using a paint roller, but it also takes more time. If you have the time, you can use a paint brush to finish the whole job, but if you want to finish faster, especially if bad weather is coming, consider using a roller.
- 7). Use a paintbrush to spread stain between the boards. This also smooths any drips caused by the roller.
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