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How To Stain Your Wood Deck In 4 Easy Steps

Achieve the perfect wood stain finish with our exterior staining guide


Want to learn how to stain wood? Choose all climate stain protection with a durable finish. Get started today by using our step by step deck staining guide! Your porch and deck are great places to relax, entertain friends and neighbors, and even enjoy meals. There’s a lot you can do to enhance your outdoor spaces with stain or paint to make them even more welcoming places for you to spend your time.

STEP 1:

Sweep debris from deck and then use a product such as Olympic® Premium Deck Cleaner. Deck Cleaner can penetrate the wood and lift dirt to the surface to be cleaned, as well as clean stains caused by mildew, dirt, algae and mold. Allow surface to dry.

STEP 2:

Tape off any surfaces you don’t want stained. Also, avoid staining in direct sunlight or on hot surfaces because the stain will dry too fast to penetrate properly.

STEP 3:

For clear, toner and semi-transparent stains, apply a thin coat with a high-quality brush, roller, paint pad, or spray. For solid stains, apply two thin coats with a brush, roller, or paint pad. To avoid lap marks, apply to a few boards at a time, keeping a wet edge.

STEP 4:

For best results, backbrush into the surface to work finish into the wood and ensure the coating is even. Make sure to treat all areas of the wood, including joints, edges and ends.

You’re going to want to follow the directions on your stain container to determine if anything needs done after your final application. You may want to rinse with water any plants that accidentally got covered in stain. Other than that though, your home should be ready for the elements. 

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