Selection and Application of Deck & Fence Stains, Sealers

Before we get to the selection of a stain, sealer we need to talk about the application of the product.

Most of the local companies apply their stain, sealer with a sprayer. You need to know that this does not work the stain, sealer into the wood pores. The simplest analogy I can think of to illustrate this is... when you apply hand lotion do you just spread it around real fast and go on with your day or do you rub it in? Of course you rub it in, you want it to work! The only way to properly work stain, sealer into wood pores is to use a brush, there is absolutely no debate about this. For this very reason we do not use a sprayer. It is more important that we provide you with a long lasting product and get you to come back to us because we performed lasting, quality work.

Onto stains, seals. For the most part stains & seals are one and the same. There are clear sealers, which we do not recommend. We recommend a pigmented stain because it helps reduce the effects of UV damage. We also recommend a penetrating oil. A penetrating oil is best because you need a product that soaks into the wood not a product that sits on top of the wood. Products that sit on top of the wood will crack and peel over time because they are subject to the seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood, that's what causes cracking & peeling. A semi-transparent stain lets the wood grain show a solid stain mutes the grain (like paint but not as thick).

We do it the hard way with a brush but the results and longevity are well worth the time.