Staining Made Easy

Whether they are interior or exterior, wood elements have always been a wise building material because of its favourable qualities.

However, with the harsh elements constantly beating against the wood, the durability and appearance of the wood can over time fade and be compromised.
Ultraviolet rays from the sun will eventually start to deteriorate wood elements with consistent exposure. In addition, water (especially in geographic areas that slip below the freezing point) can crack and split the wood fibres. This is why staining is an excellent choice to preserve the life of all wood elements.

FOLLOW THESE EASY 10 STEPS TO STAIN LIKE THE PROS.

1.    Select your stain. There are two types of stains available, solid or a semi-transparent. Solid stains will mask all of the wood natural colours and protect the wood from all the suns harmful rays and rain water. Semi-transparent stains will allow some of the natural colours of the wood to pierce through but also provide ample protect against the harmful elements.
2.    Sand entire surface of wood to remove all loose paint/stain. Use 80 grit sand paper to help remove existing coating.
3.    Tie back and bushes or shrubs near the area of work. Water down all plant life near work area (in case small amounts of stain/stain remover hit the plants).
4.    Apply the stain remover. There are two types, Methyl chloride or sodium hydroxide based (very quick but more toxic), and water based removers (slower but less toxic).
5.    Power wash the entire work surface to remove all loose coatings and remover.
6.    Let wood dry out for at least 2 full sunny days.
7.    Once all surfaces are dry, lightly sand all surfaces and blow/sweep all particles away.
8.    Begin staining. Always start with the highest point (handrails, spindles) and work down. Be sure to protect all walkable elements with drop cloths.
9.    Once all non-walkable areas are finished, pull drop cloths and use a pad or a roller applicator to stain the walkable elements. The stain brush will come in handy for all joints. Plan your exist to finish existing the work area.
10.    All stain to dry for at least 24 hours.