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“We have been using this stain for almost 15 years, applying one coat approximately every 3 years on our 16âČ X 20âČ deck. It is very easy to spread and provides an excellent finish for the wood.”
Watch this video capsule to learn all the tips and tricks for a successful deck staining project. You will learn everything from surface preparation and sanding, application conditions and techniques, to how to maintain your deck over the years.
Click on the image below to activate the video playback:
01
Start by cleaning your deck
Cleaning the deck surface
It is important to thoroughly clean your deck before applying a new stain. This step removes dirt, contaminants, and old finish residues that could hinder the adhesion of the new stain.
The product to use, however, depends on the condition of the wood and what needs to be removed.
If your deck wood is bare and completely grey, with a barn wood appearance, use a wood brightener/cleaner. Sansin Wood Wash is designed for this type of cleaning. It allows you to clean the wood and completely remove the greying caused by weathering.
If the deck still has an old stain or paint that you want to remove, you should instead use a stripper designed for exterior wood surfaces. The stripper softens the old finish so it can be removed more easily before preparing the wood for a new application.
Finally, if the wood is still in good condition, has only slightly greyed, and you mainly want to eliminate accumulated surface dirt, an exterior surface cleaner will be sufficient. Sansin Multi-Wash is exactly what you need.
Applying Multi-Wash cleaner
We explain how to do it step by step.
- Start by diluting the product. In our video, we made a mixture of 5 parts water to 1 part cleaner (for intense cleaning).
- Apply the solution generously to the deck. You can use a brush, a roller, or even better; a sprayer with a tank.
- Let Multi-Wash act for 5 to 15 minutes. During this time, scrub with a nylon brush to dislodge dirt. If you apply and rinse with a pressure washer, you are not obliged to scrub with a brush.
- Rinse thoroughly with water to remove all soap residue.
If you use a pressure washer, be careful not to exceed 500 lbs of pressure. Also, maintain a distance of 12 inches between the nozzle and the deck. This will prevent damage to the wood.
02
Sand your deck
Sanding the deck
Sanding is the most important step if you want to achieve a durable result with your stain. It is sanding that will define the quality of your stain’s adhesion.
Even if your deck is new, you must sand it to ensure the stain penetrates deeply into the wood.
In our experience, the best tool for sanding deck boards is an orbital sander with 80-grit sandpaper.
- Always sand along the length of the boards, following the grain.
- Regularly change your sandpaper (approximately every 10 to 25 sq ft). Otherwise, you will exhaust yourself unnecessarily, in addition to having uneven sanding.
- Once sanding is complete, remove dust with a push broom or a shop vacuum (shop-vac)
03
Apply Sansin DEC stain to your deck!
First, pay attention to weather conditions before applying Sansin DEC
The weather is a crucial factor if you want to achieve a beautiful and durable result.
Here are the conditions we look for:
- Temperature between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius during application and the night following application.
- The wood must dry for a minimum of 24 hours after rain or cleaning.
- Do not apply the stain in direct sunlight, otherwise it may dry too quickly and not penetrate the wood sufficiently.
Applying Sansin DEC
For application, you will need a bristle brush. Unlike a roller, the brush bristles push the stain so that it penetrates properly into the wood pores. To save your back and knees, we recommend using a brush with a detachable handle.
- Stir the stain with a stick, scraping the bottom, before starting. We also recommend stirring a little every 15 minutes during application.
- Apply Sansin DEC stain to sections of 2 or 3 boards at a time. To avoid overlap, always apply along the length of the boards.
- Absolutely avoid stopping in the middle of a board, otherwise you will see a demarcation.
- Once your section is finished, start a new section. Work this way until your entire deck is covered.
- Let dry for 24 hours and apply a second coat following the same method.
By following these steps, you will ensure your deck remains beautiful season after season!
Start your project now!
You’ll find all the products you need directly on our website.
- Start by measuring your deck’s dimensions to calculate the quantities you need.
- One gallon of Sansin DEC covers 300 sq ft (1 coat)
- Choose the Sansin color you like & order a sample to test on your wood.
- Place your order online and choose between in-store pickup and home delivery.
Want to learn more about stain? Consult the section of our blog that discusses the topic.
Products found in this article.
Sansin DEC â Wood Deck Stain
Stain brush with removable handle (4 in)
Multi-Wash Biodegradable Cleaner
Q&A
Q. What if the Sansin DEC color does not match the sample?
The color can vary depending on the wood species, its age, condition, and the amount of product it absorbs. The same product can therefore yield different results on new cedar and on an old, already greyed deck. If you are unsure about choosing your color, purchase a sample size and always test it on a small, inconspicuous section of the deck before starting. This way, you can verify the actual color once the product is applied to your wood and avoid spending full costs on a color you don’t like!
Q. Why does my stain appear darker in some areas?
A color difference can be caused by uneven wood absorption. This is precisely why surface preparation is so important. If some boards show significant differences in absorption, more uniform sanding can help achieve a more consistent result.
Q. What should I do if I applied too much stain in one area?
Since Sansin DEC is a very liquid stain, this is not really a problem with this product. The wood immediately absorbs the amount of stain it needs. But if you see an excess thickness of stain on your boards, you can easily spread it with your brush. Do not let puddles or excess product dry on the surface. If the product is already dry, wait a few months before applying an additional coat.
Q. Can Sansin DEC be applied to a deck that has already been treated with another stain?
As a general rule, we do not recommend mixing stains. Some products may be compatible, but the risks are not worth it, especially on a deck. An old finish that still forms a film on the surface can prevent Sansin DEC from penetrating the wood correctly. In most cases, stripping and/or sanding will be necessary to return to a sufficiently clean and porous surface.
Q. Why does my stain seem to disappear as soon as I apply it?
Sansin DEC is a penetrating stain. It does not form a thick film like paint or opaque stain. Most of the product is absorbed by the wood, which can give the impression that little remains on the surface. The final appearance also depends on the porosity of the wood and its preparation. What matters is that the product has penetrated the wood correctly, not that a thick layer remains on the surface.
Q. How do I know if my deck needs a new coat of Sansin DEC?
A penetrating stain like Sansin DEC does not normally peel when it reaches the end of its life. Instead, it tends to gradually lose its color and protection due to sun and weather exposure. If the wood begins to fade, appear drier, or quickly absorb water, it’s a good time to assess the condition of the finish. Perform a thorough cleaning and consider applying a maintenance coat.
