How To Seal Your Deck
Q: How Do I Seal My Deck?
A: If you’ve never sealed a deck before, you may need professional instructions to spruce up the structure and bring more value to your home. It is a good idea to know the weather conditions before beginning. Additionally, beautiful decks require a quality deck stain and sealer. It is imperative to consider protecting, waterproofing and buying a top-of-the-line deck sealer. A durable deck sealer will bring out the natural beauty of the wood grain and also protect against natural aging and inclement weather conditions.And it requires only a hint of color to bring out the natural beauty of certain types of woods.
Staining your deck is easier than you probably imagined. The following steps will make you proud of your finished work. After deciding on the materials needed plus the color and the deck stain and sealer, this could be a one-day rewarding endeavor to enjoy for years to come.
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Deck Sealer - How To Seal Your Deck
Deck Sealing Step 1: Inspection
Deck Sealer - How To Seal Your Deck
The first thing you want to do when learning how to seal your deck is survey the wood deck itself.
While walking around the perimeter and on the surface of your deck, take a careful inventory of any defects. You want to replace rotted or damaged wood. Look for shattered, raised, bent, or broken nails or screws. Replace or remove damaged nails or screws.
Use your best judgment when it comes to restoring any defects in the wood before sealing your deck. LEarning how to seal your deck becomes a tedious task if you do not pay close attention to the details of your deck and the instructions for all materials and wood stains.
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Deck Sealer - How To Seal Your Deck
Deck Sealing Step 2: Cleaning
Deck Sealer - How To Seal Your Deck
Step two of learning how to seal your deck is important because if the surface of your wood deck is clean, the deck stain and sealer cures evenly. Use a deck washer to get rid of mildew, tannin stains, and other tough stains.
Pro Deck Sealer Tip: Look for the type of deck washer that will brighten up dark colors and weathered wood. The product should take no more than thirty minutes of light brushing.
Though your cleaning instrument should have stiff hard bristles, do not use brute force while cleaning. After gently scrubbing your deck, use a pressure hose (light pressure) to wash away all dirt and particles from the wood. After the deck is clean and free of debris, allow the wood dry completely before begining the next step of sealing your deck.
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Deck Sealer - How To Seal Your Deck
Deck Sealing Step 3: Sealing
Deck Sealer - How To Seal Your Deck
Using the same number of coats you intend to use, test a hidden area on your deck to get your desired color before beginning the deck sealing project.
Cover all vegetation and protect your valuables from damage before sealing the deck. Use traditional painters’ tape to cover or block surfaces that may stick to the deck sealant.
Apply the deck sealer using a paint sprayer or a roller brush. Use steady strokes and back brush stains that absorb into the deck boards. A roller brush fixes most imperfections that occur while spreading the deck sealant.
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Deck Sealer - How To Seal Your Deck
Deck Sealing Step 4: Drying
Deck Sealer - How To Seal Your Deck
If you do not have a lot of time to devote to learning how to seal your deck, choose a deck sealant that takes less time to dry. Depending on the weather conditions and wood type, a high-quality deck sealer can take up to 48 hours. The last but not least thing to do after you seal your deck is put your furniture in place and get the party started!
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