Hey there! Our swim dock or fishing deck, as we sometimes call it, was in need of some TLC recently. I want to walk you through how to use deck stain to revive a weathered swim dock. It’s not just about looks, it is about preserving your wood deck so that you will be able to use it for years to come.
You can transform your tired, weathered deck into a stunning outdoor haven! Use these steps as a guide to get your started and hopefully answer any questions you might have about staining. Don’t get me wrong, I love the weathered look, but this project is about protecting and restoring.
Basic Steps: How to Use Deck Stain to Revive a Weathered Swim Dock
Preparation
- Gather Materials:
- Deck cleaner
- Power washer
- Water hose
- Deck stain (paint can opener and paint stick for stirring)
- Stain applicators (brush, roller, or sprayer)
- Paint Trays
- Clean Up Rags
- Protective eye wear if using the deck cleaner I recommend.
- Extension pole
- Choose your stain color and pick up your stain. Home Depot, Lowe’s, local hardware stores, and local paint stores all carry deck stains. Look at their options and your budget before making your decision.
- Prepare the Deck/Dock
- Clear the Area: Remove furniture, plants, and any other items from the deck,
- Inspect and Repair: Check for loose nails, damaged boards, or protruding screws. Make necessary repairs.
- Clean the Deck/Dock: You are going to need to power wash the deck first. For this project I used a gas powered pressure washer and it took me about 3 hours to get the surface cleaned and ready for staining. If you don’t have a pressure washer, I highly recommend a wood cleaner.
The cleaner that I use is called 30 SECONDS 64-fl oz Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Outdoor Cleaner. You can find it at Lowe’s. This stuff is powerful and it works. Follow the directions exactly and do not get it on your clothes or in your eyes! My husband got a hold of it after I showed him how good it was working on the hardy board and gutters and ended up doing most of the house. Spotless! All you do is hook it up to your regular water hose. You can even reach the second story with it. It has a special valve plug that builds up the pressure so that it can reach up into pretty high places.
- Let the deck dry for at least 24 hours. Let the surface dry completely before staining. If you can time it with the weather, you can wait a couple of days so that you know it is dry. If the area you are staining gets a lot of foot traffic, you will want to stain it as soon as possible.
Staining
- Apply the Stain
- Test the Stain: Start in an inconspicuous area to test the stain and to make sure that you are happy with the color. Trust me, the little paint swab or color swatch is going to look slightly different. I wouldn’t panic though. Lighting and the type of surface the stain is on also makes a difference. Just test it in a small area to make sure you like it.
- Stain the Deck: Begin applying the stain to the deck boards, following the wood grain. Use a brush for edges and tight spots, and a roller or sprayer for larger areas. Work in small sections to make sure that you get a nice even coat.
- Wipe Off Excess: If you spill any stain or if it pulls up in a spot, just use your brush to wipe it up. If it gets on something that you don’t want it on, use your rag to wipe it off.
- Apply a Second Coat (if necessary)
- Repeat the Process: Apply a second coat if needed, following the same method that you used the first time. This can deepen the color and add more protection.
- Final Inspection and Cleanup
- After a couple of days, once the deck is fully dry, you can replace your furniture and enjoy your newly stained deck.
- Check for Missed Spots: Inspect the deck for any areas that might need a tough-up. You can ask someone else to come take a look, but don’t get mad if they point out several things. Ya know!
Location of Our Swim Dock
Our dock is located in direct sunlight and weathers pretty quickly. We really need to do this process every couple of years or every three years to keep it looking good and to keep it protected from the elements.
Type of Wood
Our dock is made of treated lumber. I have used a clear sealer on it in the past. If you have a new deck, I would recommend that you go ahead and put a wood sealer on it to help protect it from the very beginning. New wood needs to be protected as well. Treated lumber is designed to resist rot, decay, and insect damage, which makes it ideal for outdoor projects. However, you will still want to keep it protected to maximize its lifespan. It isn’t completely waterproof, so you will want to make sure that you apply a sealant or stain to help prevent water absorption. If you can help prevent water absorption, you will reduce the risk of warping, splitting, and cracking that can occur with wood. Wooden decks are beautiful and need to be taken care of.
Type of Stain and Color
For this project, I used Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Tinted Exterior Deck Stain. It was semi-transparent and the color I used was Gray Pine. The color that we chose blends in really well with nature and gives off a color shade that isn’t too much. It is a mix between gray and a light taupe brown color. Since it is a semi-transparent stain, you can still see the wood grains through the stain.
Make sure that it is an exterior deck stain. Ensuring that you have an exterior wood stain will help protect it from harmful UV rays wood rot. This stain is a waterborne formula, which means that when the stain is applied, the water evaporates and the color is left behind. This stain is a great protector and was beading up nicely after the first rain. It is known for being one of the best deck stains available. If you can’t find a color that you love, you could always look into using one of their clear stains.
Tips
- Check the weather to make sure it isn’t going to rain 24-48 hours after you apply stain.
- Keep your exterior stain in the shade and out of direct sunlight while working. It will start creating a film on the top of the stain if it is in extreme heat and in the direct sun.
- Drink plenty of water and wear a sun hat.
- For best results, make sure you clean the surface before staining. I recommend cleaning the deck surface by pressure washing/power washing it.
- Only do a small portion at a time and don’t roll it out too thin. You want to get good coverage out of your first coat.
What Now?
You are totally capable of restoring and bringing your weathered deck/dock back to life. You can restore its appearance and strength, giving you a dock that’s ready for endless memories. Now that you know the steps, it’s time to put them into action. Let me know in the comments below what stain you love. Good luck!
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