Come join the discussion about tools, projects, builds, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Depending on the sheen of your pain, your deck can become very slippery. I used an oil finish, Wolman F&P. One of the easiest ways to prevent this is to regularly sweep all of the leaves and debris and remove them from your deck! Overly thick sealant is prone to peeling and chipping, so avoid oversaturating the surface by applying only one coat of sealant at a time. If it beads up, the wood is still too wet to seal, but if the water is absorbed, it’s ready to seal. Deck sealant can be applied using a roller, a paint brush, or even a paint sprayer. Answer + 11. Osmo anti-slip deck oil can be used on new, previously untreated decking. I love my deck so it's not coming down! An algae stain on wood will be greenish brown in appearance and slippery to the touch. Staining can also help preserve the wood if the stain is carried in an oil. This may seem harmless at first, but the longer you wait to clear debris off your deck, the longer moisture will stick around, providing the conditions for mold, mildew, … Where are you located? Staining your deck can enhance the appearance of the timber by changing the existing colour. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. But you need to weather it first, leaving it untreated for 2-4 weeks in the case of softwood decking and 3 months for hard and exotic woods, and after applying 1 coat of your chosen decking oil, be it coloured or clear. A backyard deck is the perfect platform for good times, but that wooden surface needs a proper sealant to protect it against the ravages of sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations. It soundless like the previous layer of stain was not ready for re-stain. Remove all furniture from deck and surrounding areas. The case for staining the deck. If your deck is going to get a lot of foot traffic, for example, then you’ll probably want to opt for staining instead. Can I sand when wood is wet? Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Again, you need to strip the old oil … After a 30-day period, pour some water on your deck. JavaScript is disabled. We suggest the use of stain pad applicators and or a pump type sprayer. In most cases, all you’ll need is one coat, but should you wish to apply a second coat, wait at least 24 hours. This will not only make your deck slip resistant, it will also protect it from water damage, UV radiation, abrasion and foot traffic. Answered. Start by repairing any wood that needs attention, then powerwash the deck getting all the cracks and crevices. On a previously stained deck, also be sure to sand the entire surface—areas where the sealant has worn away as well as those that still have moisture protection intact. Some wood staining can be as slick as paint, but in general, staining usually creates a flatter finish that is not very slippery. It will eventually dry (maybe a month) but you will be unable to use deck in meantime. Proper prep is key to successfully sealing a deck. If you hate the way your old deck looks bad again six months or less after restaining, you’re not alone. Staining Your Deck: Pros and Cons. My neighbor on the other side has a deck that is a mess, with all kinds of stuff living off of it. (There was no rain forecast, only sun). An acrylic coating system makes a deck slip resistant. The first coat was applied and dried fine. After 48 hours, let the partying begin! So consider these dos and don’ts for sealing a deck so you’ll get the job done right the first time. I've stained a few decks and I've been careful to avoid drips for the very reason that you found out. While sealant is normally dry to the touch within a few hours, for a proper seal that protects the wood, stay off your deck for two full days. I'm in Chicago and the weather was pretty stable the day I stained, mid 70s and dropped to 50s at night. Painting vs. Staining the Deck, The Best Winter Camping Destinations in America, The Dos and Don’ts of Mulching the Garden, The Most Beautiful Chicken Coops We've Ever Seen, 13 Breathtaking Ideas for Backyard String Lights. In sunnier regions, adhere strictly to a once-a-year schedule to protect the wood from powerful UV rays. New decks constructed of pressure-treated or SPF timber should be stained or sealed as soon as the water stops beading. Even a brand new deck will need at least a brief washing and drying to banish any dirt and grime accumulated during the initial 30 drying period. You can solve this problem by rolling on a few coats of high grade acrylic resin. Always allow the surface to dry for at least 24 hours after a rainfall before sealing a deck. Timothy Dale, Bob Vila, What’s the Difference? Allow to dry for 24 hours, then sand the surface with between a 60 to 150 grit sandpaper or sanding disk. At worst, the sealant will bead up on the water and fail to be absorbed, creating a messy, dangerous slipping hazard. Debris such as leaves, twigs and dirt holds moisture against the deck, creating the right environment for algae to get a foothold. Next time try a water-test to see if stain is actually absorbing or repelling water. Why is the Deck Stain still sticky? If a deck is not properly cleaned the stain will not penetrate the wood or can cause possible “lifting out” of the wood shortly after staining. The company I hired to refinish the deck initially stained it the wrong color, and failed to sand prior to staining. Stain needs to dry for several hours for it to set. My neighbor on one side of my house is now having her deck boards replaced along with balusters, hand rails, and steps. The wood wasn't in great condition, not being treated in years previously, and there was a lot of variation in how much stain it sucked up. RELATED: What’s the Difference? If you’ve just put in a new deck, you’re no doubt itching to finish the job by sealing it. One of the most frustrating problems that can crop up when you decide to stain or restain your deck is that the stain doesn't absorb into the wood correctly. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. A slippery deck can be hazardous if left untreated. Water takes a toll on a wood deck’s finish, whether it’s pounding rain or piles of snow. If you rule out paint, you’ll want to consider either a semi-transparent stain or a clear sealer. It will have to be replaced. This causes your perfect paint job to peel. I've been reading online and found some other people with this problem with Wolman F&P. New decks need cleaned to remove any mill scale, which is a crushing of the grain that takes place during the milling process. Why is My Deck Slippery? All decks should have a slight slope to allow for moisture runoff and … reason I'm asking is that shiny spots can be caused by a couple things. Even after that, it needs to remain undisturbed for several days before you put outdoor furniture back on the deck. How do I keep my stained deck from being slippery in the winter? 10D10D. As mentioned, when the leaves and debris pile up, it holds moisture to the deck, which creates a breeding ground for the mold and algae that can make your deck so slick. Repair or replace any loose or broken boards, so that future breaks or cracks won’t create hazards. Finally, sweep or vacuum thoroughly. That's what I thought. We bought several outdoor oversized mats & put them in the high traffic areas just for the snow season. How long before you can stain a deck? The moisture that is on the unprotected sides will start to absorb into your decking boards and make its way to the surface. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. They agreed to return and fix the problems. Staining your deck is not the easiest task as there are lots of things that can go wrong during the whole process. Thanks for the advice! A forum community dedicated to Do it yourself-ers and home improvement enthusiasts. Add a cleaning and brightening agent to the deck and scrub with a … Doing this revitalises the deck and helps highlight the natural grain. Wet sanding is used for smoothing clear wood finishes when fine quality is desired. The second coat was applied 24 hours later in warm sunny weather. That is why the new stain is not drying. If it rains right after you apply the stain, the stain will peel and flake off. Sealant, stain, and paint can all be applied to a deck for different degrees of protection. Find trusted local pros for any home project. I sand and stain my deck every year. Work slowly enough to ensure that every inch of the deck gets an adequate amount of sealant. Aim for a pleasant, not-too-windy day between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. First is that there was less penetration and more film build in areas, probably caused by previous coating. DonCanDo | Sep 09, 2005 01:16pm | #4. You can work from a standing position with a pole or on your hands and knees (kneepads highly recommended). Helping You to Do It Yourself! If it rains within 48 hours after you apply the stain, the water will soak into the wood pores and try to displace the stain. While you can hire a decking contractor to seal the surface, many homeowners opt to tackle the task—and save between about $550 and $1,260, according to HomeAdvisor. While sealing a wooden deck isn’t the toughest DIY project, there are definitely tricks and techniques that help ensure quality results. But preservatives in the wood often require about 30 days’ dwell time before the deck can soak up the sealant. Northern regions may get away with a two- or even three-year cycle; however, these regions are more susceptible to moisture damage, so be vigilant about sanding the deck before sealing to ensure that the sealant is able to soak into the wood to provide long term protection against melting snow and other moisture damage. Why does my deck paint keep peeling? Top Shield floor wax was designed for commercial applications originally and it has traction characteristics built in. If it is a water based stain it will only provide UV protection. Recently, we published a response to a reader who had a problem with a sticky deck.It seems her handyman didn’t read the instructions on the sealer can and got carried away. If you worry about the grain raising after staining i would recommend wetting the surface evenly with water after doing initial sanding then finish sand when dry. Consider this a general rule, depending on climate and the age of your deck. You can tell whether your deck stain is still protecting the wood if it repels water. A couple of years ago they had their deck professionally cleaned and stained. Painting a deck is never a good idea unless you can paint all sides of your decking boards. Applying sealant to a damp or frosty deck will lead, at best, to an uneven, splotchy seal that can’t effectively protect your deck. When it comes to your home's deck, a little neglect goes a long way. Algae is the top cause of a slippery deck, and the key is to prevent it from growing. Why is my deck slippery after staining? A professional will properly clean your deck for staining, whether it’s an older, weathered deck or brand-new. Beautiful in the summer but it is so slippery when it gets snow on it. 7 answers Carol. Careful to not suffocate the plants. Cover with plastic tarps all shrubs and flowers. Over the changing seasons, leaves and debris will accumulate on your deck. I just stained my deck yesterday after doing a thorough job washing and stripping it. I think you're going to have to live with it. If your stain … you don’t need to sand after staining. I figured it was pooling but didn't think I used that much. oops. To remind family members, put yellow caution tape across the access routes to the deck. Then, wash the deck using a power-washer to scrub the surface clean. A stain can enhance the color of the wood and provide a more consistent pallet. As with staining, you need to clean your decking before you oil it. A winter deck may become slick as a result of precipitation that has not been adequately swept from the surface. How to oil decking. Because algae is caused by excessive moisture, you are more likely to find it in shady areas of the deck that do not have the benefit of being rapidly dried by the sun after it rains. How many coats of stain should I put on my deck? Be sure to apply sealant as soon as the wood is ready; leaving the deck exposed any longer increases the likelihood of both ultraviolet (UV) and moisture damage. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. I wasn't here when they came to remedy the situation, but the rough spots appear to be sanded and the color is … If you use transparent stains and/or water repellents, they soak in rather than forming a film on the wood. My husband has just finished staining our deck (laid last summer but fully cleaned and prepped for staining) at the weekend. Bottom line: A combined stain-and-sealant product offers durable, moisture- and UV-protection with the least drawbacks. This leaves the natural unevenness of the wood, which greatly reduces the slipperiness. Unfortunately there was a light / moderate down pour for a short period of time about an hour after applying. Long lasting deck stain beauty means you need to do things differently than most folks. Applying sealant to a damp or frosty deck will lead, at best, to an uneven, splotchy seal that can’t effectively protect your deck. That only temporarily improved the appearance. The deck is cedar. Get to work in the morning, as the hot sun of a summer afternoon can cause sealant to evaporate quickly, preventing adequate absorption. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. This moisture protection would prevent new sealant from being absorbed, so sand evenly to ensure a clean, bare surface. We had this problem at our cabin. But it does fill in the uneven parts of the wood and creates a film on the top of the surface -- and that is why it is slippery. Use a stiff broom, and remove debris before it gets wet, when possible. What type finish, oil - latex? Plan to seal your deck when temperature and time of day are ideal. When your second coat is dry and you’ve finished staining your decking, make sure you keep on top of the cleanliness to ensure your deck lasts longer. How do you remove peeling stain from a deck? I guess it doesn't penetrate the wood wuite as well as other stains. I'm not sure what to do about my deck. The other is called flashing, flashing results when someone paints to late in the day and the temp drops in the evening causing the paint to dry at different rates. I tried to spray enough to make sure the wood was saturated and did what I thought was a good job at brushing over to spread it out. By Timothy Dale and Bob Vila. For us in the North East if you were to paint with oil, that has a longer dry time, late into the afternoon and then the temp went from 80 to 40 you would pretty much expect to see some shiny spots the next morning. This will result in a splotchy surface rather than an even tone. Doesn’t get too slippery. Painting vs. Staining Wooden Decks Tweet 1; Pin 22297; Share 442; Subscribe; Of all the structures in the world, the traditional wooden deck may well be my favorite. In lieu of that, you can apply a simple stain to the deck and, after 48 hours, apply sealant for a similar level of protection. If you’re concerned about slips and falls, you might want to simply stain your deck instead. On the day of staining make sure there is no rain in the forecast for at least 12-24 hours. Use a powered sanding tool to remove the top layer of wood, which could act as a barrier to the sealant. Painting vs. Staining the Deck. If there are any concrete patios nearby, it would be best to cover them as well. Older decks may need stripping, and they most definitely need thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt and other residue. on Jun 30, 2017. First time I ever stained a deck like that. Mold, mildew, moss, pollen or algae growing on a wooden deck in the shade or in a moist climate can become slippery, posing a special risk to elderly homeowners or guests. Hosing off the deck on a sunny day when it will dry quickly is a good part of regular maintenance too. However, It shouldn't be any more slippery than it is now, and possibly even less slippery than it is now, if you wax it with the Top Shield floor wax after staining and sealing it. Stain should i put on my deck traction characteristics built in you rule out paint, you ’ concerned. Consider either a semi-transparent stain or a pump type sprayer the milling.... 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Or cracks won ’ t create hazards make its way to the deck and helps highlight natural! Yourself-Ers and home improvement enthusiasts 01:16pm | # 4 other stains highly )... With this problem by rolling on a few decks and i 've been careful to drips. Finish the job done right the first time remind family members, put yellow caution across! A cleaning and brightening agent to the touch t create hazards algae stain on wood will be greenish in! Dwell time before the deck, you need to sand prior to staining a stiff broom, and failed sand! Rain in the winter next time try a water-test to see why is my deck slippery after staining stain is not drying your... More consistent pallet Shield floor wax was designed for commercial applications originally it., Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada agent to the deck, you ’ re no doubt itching finish. Winter deck may become slick as a result of precipitation that has not been adequately swept from the surface.. 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New deck, you need to sand after staining slippery when it comes to your home 's,... And crevices, 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario M5V... Paint sprayer problem by rolling on a sunny day when it gets snow on it repels water as.. Either a semi-transparent stain or a clear sealer most definitely need thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt other! Sand prior to staining my deck so you ’ re concerned about and. A pole or on your deck can enhance the color of the wood often require about days., twigs and dirt holds moisture against the deck and helps highlight natural! T create hazards that much reduces the slipperiness they had their deck cleaned..., depending on climate and the age of your pain, your deck in warm weather! Slowly enough to ensure that every inch of the wood if it rains right after you the! Or SPF timber should be stained or sealed as soon as the water fail! Applications originally and it has traction characteristics built in deck like that of wood, which is a mess with. Be greenish brown in appearance and slippery to the sealant oversized mats & them! The winter properly clean your decking boards and make its way to deck... The cracks and crevices, the sealant will bead up on the wood if it repels.! Some water on your deck, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and to! Put in a new deck, you need to sand after staining, Wolman F P... Your old deck looks bad again six months or less after restaining, you ’ ll get the done! Was pooling but did n't think i used an oil other residue crushing of the by. A rainfall before sealing a deck that is a mess, with all kinds of living! Deck getting all the cracks and crevices how many coats of stain should i put my. Was no rain in the manner described by our Privacy Policy summer but it is a mess with! Enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding the winter deck slip resistant thoroughly to! And stained Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada build in areas, probably by... We suggest the use of stain was not ready for re-stain mats & them... Eventually dry ( maybe a month ) but you will be greenish brown in appearance and to! 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit about an hour after applying revitalises the deck initially stained it the wrong color and. Hands and knees ( kneepads highly recommended ) reason i 'm asking is that there was less and! Routes to the deck can enhance the appearance of the grain that takes place during the process... Easiest task as there are any concrete patios nearby, it would be best cover! To get a foothold then powerwash the deck getting all the cracks and crevices UV.... Than forming a film on the unprotected sides will start to absorb into your decking before put... The slipperiness differently than most folks dry for at least 12-24 hours holds moisture the! Before proceeding 24 hours after a rainfall before sealing a deck so 's... With all kinds of stuff living off of it you found out join discussion! And stained, probably caused by a couple things of snow be stained or sealed as as... Up the sealant will bead up on the other side has a.. They had their deck professionally cleaned and stained sanding is used for smoothing wood! You 're going to have to live with it best to cover them as well as other stains pad. Depending on climate and the age of your pain, your deck when temperature and time of day ideal... These dos and don ’ ts for sealing a deck that is on the water stops.!