Painting Advice

Ask Angie: Paint, seal or stain the deck?

22.02.12

Dear Angie: </p><p> Aesthetics aside, which protects a wood deck better: painting, sealing or staining? Additionally, what are the pros and cons of each type of protectant? </p><p> Herbert Y., San Francisco</p><p> Dear Herbert: </p><p> Painting a wood deck is probably the worst thing you can do. The floorboards and handrails on a wood deck are a horizontal surface. As a result, they will collect water, snow and ice throughout the year. Exterior paint will trap that moisture in the wood, which will lead to peeling, rotting and potentially other major issues.</p><p> Solid color stains without a sealer will act in much the same way as paint, trapping that moisture in the wood. If you apply either, expect them to peel within a year.</p><p> Using a clear sealer or a semi-transparent stain is the best way to go. The stain will not peel, though it will eventually fade, especially in higher traffic areas.</p><p> If your deck is new, make sure the wood has seasoned meaning it's been air dried for at least one year before you seal and stain it. Once the wood has seasoned, have a reputable professional power wash and clean the deck. I don't recommend homeowners power wash their decks themselves, unless they have the proper equipment and training. Power washing with the wrong amount of pressure or the wrong type of tip on the power washer could easily damage the wood, so it's important to do your research and hire someone with a good track record.</p><p> After the deck is cleaned and dry, apply either a clear sealer or a semi-transparent deck stain. Many stains now are both stains and sealers in one, so they will seal and protect the wood while also giving it a natural finish. Check the product label on the stains you're considering before you buy.</p><p> Good stains and sealers work by allowing moisture to escape from the wood. The more tinting in the product, the more your deck will be protected from fading from the sun's ultraviolet rays and moisture. Typically, an oil-based, semi-transparent stain is going to give you the most natural look.</p><p> Many stain manufacturers tout their products as lasting for five years, but most professionals agree that even the best stain and sealer will generally last less than three years on horizontal surfaces. So this is a chore you can look forward to every two to three years sooner if you don't use the most long-lasting products and/or you don't do all the necessary preparation and follow up work.</p><p> Angie's List collects about 40,000 consumer reports each month covering more than 350 categories of home-related services. Angie Hicks compiles the best advice from the most highly rated service pros on Angie's List to answer your questions. Ask Angie your question at askangie@angieslist.com</p><p> 2011, http://www.angieslist.com/

Source: Kansas City Star