
Painting & Interiors
There are several different types of stains we recommend for deck and fence staining depending on the condition of the surface to be stained and the desired look the homeowner wishes to achieve.
If the surface to be stained is new treated wood, it is recommended that the treated wood be left to cure for approximately 6 months before stain is applied. This cure time allows the excess chemicals used in the preservation process to evaporate from the wood. Without cure time, the new stain application cannot penetrate the wood properly making the stain less effective. The other issue with treated wood is sap discharge. This is a natural process of the wood and does not indicate an inferior grade of lumber was used. There is no way to tell when installing treated wood which boards may ooze sap. The summer months tend to see the most discharge of sap due to the hot temperatures. There are no stains that will adhere to the sap, so the sticky mess must be removed prior to the staining.
If the surface to be stained has been previously stained with a semi-transparent stain or has been exposed to the elements longer than a year or so, the surface should first be power washed to remove any dirt or mildew and as much of the existing stained as possible. This allows for the new stain to penetrate the old wood.
If the surface to be stained has been previously stained with a solid-color stain or has been painted, the surface must first be power washed to remove any dirt or mildew and any flaking or peeling stain/paint. If there is a significant amount of peeling stain/paint, we recommend scraping/sanding any loose or peeling paint. We then recommend applying a good exterior acrylic or oil-based primer in order to seal the old surface and give the new solid-color stain or paint a more secure foundation to bond to.
Regarding the desired look, if seeing the grain of the wood is important, we recommend using an oil-based semi-transparent stain. We recommend TWP (Total Wood Protectant) and Sherwin Williams – Deckscapes. The lifespan of a good semi-transparent stain is at best 3-4 years in this climate. This depends on the amount of direct sunlight the area receives and how much use it gets.
If seeing the grain of the wood is not important, we recommend applying a 100% acrylic solid color stain which gives the look of a painted surface, but unlike paint, is self-priming. This means the solid-color stain can be applied directly to new wood without having to first apply a primer. Solid-color stains have a tendency to protect the wood better and last longer than a semi-transparent stain. They are also easier for the homeowner to maintain since the old stain does not have to be removed prior to applying a fresh coat.
Metcalf Painting & Interiors understands the importance of using the right product for the right application. Please give us a call to discuss your deck and fence staining needs.
Cary Office
(919) 469-1817
Metcalf Painting and Interiors
203 Annandale Drive
Cary, NC 27511
E-mail Us info@metcalfpainting.com
Metcalf Painting Deck staining, Raleigh, Fence Staining, Cary, Morrisville, Apex, Holly Springs, Raleigh, Garner, Wake Forest, Fuquay Varina, NC since 1986