How to Refinish a Porch or Deck

Some homeowners choose not to finish their porches and decks, keeping the natural look of the wood. Although they don’t have to invest time, labor, and money in paint or staining supplies, not finishing porches and/or decks can result in them not lasting as long. When deciding on how to finish your porch and/or deck, first determine whether you want to paint or stain the wood.

Advantages of Stains

• No peeling - Unlike paint, stains don’t peel, lasting longer.
• Transparent beauty - The beauty of the wood shines through the stain.

Disadvantages of Stains

If you restain your porch, you’ll need to first strip off the old stain, which can be not only time consuming, but dangerous if you work with acid. On the other hand, when using opaque paints, you can paint over the old color without having to do any stripping.

Choosing a Stain Color

Choose a color that goes well with your wood. Tinted stains will enhance a wood’s color, while semitransparent stains will render an even bolder appearance as it covers over the wood’s grain. It’s advisable to choose a stain with a sealer because this will save you the step of sealing the stain once applied.

Cleaning Process

Begin by cleaning the deck. Although you can use a hose, you may want to rent a pressure washer and deck cleanser. To avoid damage (and fuzzing up the wood), choose a low setting.

Even on wood that’s never been finished, after washing off all grime and dirt, check to see if the deck looks exceptionally weathered. If it’s too worn for your standards, use oxalic acid to bleach out the gray.

Removing an Old Stain

If you have an old stain on the wood, you’ll need to remove it before staining. This way you start out with bare wood that has been conditioned to accept a stain.

1. Sanding option -You can sand off the old stain, but it’s much easier to use an acid-based stripper product to wash it off. However, if you don’t want to mess with chemicals (as well as worry about falling on a slippery surface), then maybe you should use the sanding option. Using a belt sander, sand across the grain of the wood. Then sand diagonally (with the grain.) Wash all particles off thoroughly.
2. Stain and finish stripper - Purchase an acid-based stain and finish stripper (found at most hardware and home improvement stores.) Besides consulting with a store professional, carefully follow the product’s directions. To protect surrounding shrubbery and other items from discoloration or unwanted chemicals, be sure to, cover them with plastic drop clothes before applying the stripper. Wear old shoes and clothes, as the acid is corrosive. Protect your eyes with goggles and wear gloves.
3. Apply wood prep – After removing the old stain, apply a commercial wood prep product to protect the stain. First, moisten the wood and then apply. After about ten minutes, scrub and rinse.

Applying the Stain

Once the wood is clean and bare, it’s ready for staining. Use a roller for floor surfaces and brushes or rags for railings. Avoid using a sprayer as this will spatter stain on your house. Once dried, you can’t remove it without damaging the house paint.

Granted, staining a deck or porch is a lot of hard work. However, it’s well worth the time and energy invested. Besides your deck lasting longer, you will have also learned a valuable new skill for future home projects.

Finishing Your Porch is Worth the Effort

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