Wood and Deck Restoration
There are certain steps to take when protecting and preserving a wood surface like a deck, fencing, wood siding, roofing or a log home. The wood needs to be cleaned thoroughly and prepped prior to staining. A wood prep consists of cleaning the wood followed by a neutralizing process to open the wood pores to ready them for stain. Once you have completed a proper wood prep there is a certain amount of time the wood needs to dry before applying stain.
The amount of time necessary can vary from surface to surface. Weather, humidity, sun exposure, wood age, type and porosity can all affect the dry time needed. Although the wood dry time may vary there are some basic guidelines. Most wood surfaces will be dry enough for a stain application 24-48 hours after the wood prep. If you want to get technical you can buy or rent a moisture meter. Stick the wood in several different areas to get an average moisture reading. Most wood stains can be applied once the moisture level is 12% or below.
Where to buy TWP stain?
If you are in need of a high-quality deck stain to provide protection for your deck and deck railings then you will most likely be considering the TWP stain brand as one of your options.
The benefits of using this brand are plentiful as it is one of the most well-known and best-regarded deck stain products on the market. So you might be wondering… where to buy TWP stain from? And are there any good deals?
What exactly is TWP stain?
The abbreviation TWP means “Total Wood Preservative.” You can use it to protect and preserve the surface of different wooden surfaces. They include all sorts of furniture, the surfaces of walls or floors, fences, gazebos, and outdoor decks. TWP stain protects all of these items from moisture, rot, and even fading from sunlight and adverse weather.
The finish from TWP stains is high quality with several choices in the color and tone. Importantly the results look professional and can be long-lasting when TWP stain is applied correctly. For these reasons, TWP stain is one of the most popular deck stain products, with high satisfaction rates among customers.
Decks probably take the majority of abuse in colder climates. Winter can be especially harsh on a deck when moisture penetration and freeze/thaw damage is common. The key to a long lasting, beautiful deck in a cold region like Canada is using a stain that will hold up in tough conditions. Oil based deck stains may be a good option but most of them are not compliant with Canada’s strict VOC laws. This makes water based deck stains a better option.
With that said, finding a quality water based deck stain that will do the job may be a little difficult. Most water based deck stains are not known to penetrate or hold up well. That was however until Defy formulated a deck stain that uses new technology that is a first in the industry. A water based deck stain in Canada like Defy Extreme Stain is not only VOC compliant and eco friendly, it provides leading protection that will outperform all tinted transparent wood stains.
There is no doubt that Ipe and other exotic hardwoods are extremely dense in nature. This makes these woods tough to protect because most wood stains are not able to penetrate them. Penetration is necessary to protect these woods from harsh elements that cause discoloration and graying. Ipe Oil is specifically designed for dense exotic hardwoods like Ipe, tigerwood, cumaru and other Brazilian woods. Ipe Oil by DeckWise will penetrate and preserve the natural grain of the wood while enhancing its beauty. For those wondering where to buy Ipe Oil the answer is simple.
The best place to buy Ipe Oil is from an authorized online dealer. Buying Ipe Oil from an authorized DeckWise dealer will ensure you are covered by the DeckWise limited liability warranty as well as having high quality customer support. It is important to note that only Ipe Oil purchased from an authorized dealer will qualify for the DeckWise warranty. In addition to being covered by the manufacturers warranty you will also receive support from the online dealer in the form of “how to” articles and Q&A sections. This helps ensure you get the information you need for completing your exotic wood-staining project.
Ipe Oil provides exceptional penetration to repel water and create a UV barrier against harsh sunrays. This reduces the chances of graying, warping and cracking. The low 250 VOC, oil based formula is available for shipment to all 50 states. This superior oil finish will provide a beautiful semi transparent finish that will last approximately 1 year, which is typical for exotic hardwoods like Ipe. Find Ipe Oil from an authorized online dealer and buy with confidence knowing you are getting the manufacturers warranty and the support you need to get the professional results you expect.
Decks in Canada certainly take on their fair share of abuse. With harsh winter weather decks are exposed to rain, snow and freezing temperatures. These can cause warping, cracking and splitting of wood fibers not to mention mold, mildew and UV damage. Decks in Canada can however last for many years when they are protected with a quality deck stain that will hold up to Canadian weather.
The trouble is not all deck stains in Canada are compliant due to strict VOC laws. There are however some deck stains that are compliant like Armstrong Clark deck stain, for example. This oil based deck stain is one of the best deep penetrating stains that is compliant in most states and Canada.
Keeping your wood boat dock in good structural condition means it must be maintained on a routine basis. Periodically cleaning the wood and coating it with new stain will preserve the wood’s integrity and appearance.
The key to prolonged protection is to use the best wood stain for a boat dock. Care must be taken when using cleaning and staining products around a water source. An Eco-Friendly stain like Defy Marine Seal is specifically designed for boat docks and is safe to use in “clean marinas”.
Staining a tree house is really no different than staining wood siding or a deck other than it is elevated. Care must be taken when dealing with heights. Use ladder stabilizers and a fall restraint system for protection. Always tether yourself to a safe point on the tree with the proper harness equipment. The use of a bucket truck can also work well if you have that option. But assuming you are the one that built the tree house, you probably have safe means of getting up high to stain the tree house.
First the wood needs to be cleaned. Never stain wood that is not cleaned and prepped correctly. Use a wood cleaner to help loosen dirt and grime from the wood. Use a scrub brush or pressure washer to further remove contaminants and gray wood fibers. Do not use too much water pressure as it can fur up the wood. Keep the nozzle far enough from the wood that it does not cause damage to the tree house.
Adding a warm, rich stain to a cedar house increases its beauty and benefits its longevity. Staining a cedar house aids in preserving the natural oils in the wood that give cedar its distinctive scent and helps to deter insects and fungi.
Knowing how to stain a cedar house is valuable in keeping the siding maintained over the long run. Maintenance is the key to hinder the effects of weathering. Deep penetrating stains are available in a broad assortment of colors and tones that enhance the natural beauty of cedar. It is best to use a cedar stain that has both UV protection and mildewcides.
To slow the aging process of a deck many deck owners turn to a protective deck stain. Protecting the wood from many adverse weather conditions can prolong its life and also enhance the appearance and natural beauty of the wood.
Most decks need regular maintenance every couple of years consisting of a light wash and a recoat of protective finish. If you have decided to go with a different look or you simply want to switch brands of deck stain there are a few things worth noting. Any existing stain should be removed from the surface before a new deck stain is applied. To understand this better it might help to know how a deck stain works.
Read more: Why You Need to Remove a Deck Stain if Switching Brands
Wood Fence Staining Help and Tips
Wood fences can certainly add appeal and value to your property. Wooden fences have long been used for marking boundaries, adding curb appeal, and providing privacy. To ensure a wood fence lasts a long time it is important to shield it from the elements.
Vertical surfaces like wood fences are less prone to water damage and sun fading than a horizontal surface like a deck floor, but over time they too will begin to wear and eventually fail. Wood fence stains will not only lock out moisture and block out harmful UV rays, but will enhance and add beauty to the fence as well.
Help and Tips for Cedar Roof Wood Stains
Homeowners have a broad range of options when it comes to roofing materials. Factors like cost, durability, appearance, and longevity all have to be considered. One particular material that has always been a popular choice is cedar wood shakes. They can add a very pleasing natural and rustic look to any type of home from small lake cottages to very large extravagant houses.
Cedar roofs are also very durable. According to studies, a cedar roof can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years if it is well taken care of. The maintenance for a cedar roof involves cleaning the wood to remove gray wood fibers and contaminants such as mold, mildew, algae, and moss. A cedar roof wood stain can then be applied to provide weather protection.
Tips for Finding the Best Stain for a Wood Dock
Though newer plastic and synthetic decking is common for docks and piers, wood dock's are still widely used. Wood is a very durable and sound material used for decking. It makes for a useful and beautiful wood dock and if maintained correctly can last many years.
Cleaning a wood dock is the same as cleaning any exterior wood surface. This is an important step that should be done properly prior to staining. Proper wood prep is the key to a lasting stain finish.
Finding the Best Deck Sealers
A common question that most deck owners ask is which sealer is best? Regrettably, there is not a one fits all type of deck sealer. There are certainly some sealers that are better than others but it really depends on your deck and your area's climate.
A deck sealer that performs well in one part of the country may not perform as well in another area. Some state's VOC laws also prohibit the use of certain deck sealers while in other states it may be prohibited.
To understand the importance of finding the best deck sealer for your situation you must first understand what happens to wood that is not protected.
Best Deck Stains for Canada
Over the years decks have become popular for Canadian homeowners looking to add some extra outdoor living space. A deck can add curb appeal and value to any property. It's one of the best home improvements you can make outside the home.
Deck maintenance is essential to the life of a deck. Nowhere is this more important than in Canada where the winters can be harsh. No doubt Canadians love using their decks during the warm season but winters can take their toll on exterior wood. When a wood deck is not protected with a deck stain, water can seep into the wood. Freeze/thaw damage is very common on Canadian decks that are not protected with a quality deck stain.
Why is my deck stain peeling and how do I prevent this from happening? This a common question and occurrence for many exterior wood deck owners. Homeowners love their wood decks and patios and nothing ruins the outdoor experience more than an ugly looking peeling deck. In this article, we will look at the main reasons for deck stains failures, how to fix them, and how to prevent the stains from peeling in the future.
Did Not Prep the Deck Properly:
Improper prepping of the deck is the number one reason that a new decking stain will fail. In general, the better a deck stain penetrates into the wood the better it will perform. Here are a few examples of improper prepping.
- Details
- The Sealer Store
Must Read! The Complete List of Tips for Wood Deck Cleaning and Staining.
We
have been in business since 1993 and have used or sold close to a 1/2 Million gallons of wood stain. These wood and deck cleaning and staining tips have come from hands-on experience. A lot of them learned the hard way. Please read this thoroughly as you are sure to learn a few that will make your deck project a success!
We suggest printing this article and reading it a few times before starting your deck restoration project.
Wooden decks can be exposed to extremely severe weather conditions. They're also subjected to abrasion and excessive friction from foot traffic. The horizontal surfaces of a deck, particularly the floor and handrails, get plentiful amounts of sunlight and moisture which causes continuous swelling and shrinking. The constant expanding and contracting can result in splitting, cracking, and splintering.
Must Read!
These tips will help you stain an average wood deck in 2 hours!
The suggestions below will help you speed up the process of applying a wood stain to a deck. It is best to apply a semi-transparent wood or deck sealer with a pad applicator or by low pressure spraying followed by a pad to ensure an even application.
Must Read!
Top 10 Myths for Exterior Wood and Deck Restoration
1. New wood does not need to be cleaned. This is not true. New wood needs to be prepped with a wood cleaner and a wood brightener. This will remove dirt, grime, and mill glaze. These two steps will "open" the wood pores allowing the stain to penetrate better. The better the wood stain absorbs, the better it will work.
There are many different colors and opacities when dealing with decking stain. Before searching for a deck stain, you should determine the look you want. Some stains (solid colors) will completely hide the wood grain while others (transparent and semi-transparent) while allow the grain to show through, this is referred to as opacity. The higher the opacity the more pigmentation resulting in less wood grain showing.
Color is the tint or hue a deck stain has. Many different colors and tints can be added to stain. The most common are natural wood colors, redwoods, and darker browns. Color is directly related to opacity. Lower opacity of a stain allows the wood's natural color to show through more while a higher opacity will hide more of the wood's color resulting in more of the stain's color or pigment to show. While all deck stains provide water protection, the more pigment a stain has the more UV protection it provides. A clear stain would provide almost zero UV protection while a solid stain would provide the most protection from the sun.
New or Gray looking Decks/Wood
When cleaning Wood or Decks, use a cleaning product similar to Restore-A-Deck or the Defy Wood Deck Cleaner. This will open the pores and remove any graying and or dirt. This is important even for new wood. New wood has a mill glaze that should be removed prior to any stain application. For removal of old coatings see Wood and Deck Stripping.