Protect the Surrounding Area
• Use a tarp to cover delicate plants or vegetation and any other areas you may want to protect.• Remove any furniture.
Clean the Surface
• Sweeping away any leaves or dirt using a stiff broom.Make Any Needed Repairs
• Use a drill, screw driver or hammer to repair any damaged boards and correct any loose screws and nails.Prep the Surface
• Use a pump style sprayer to apply a deck cleaner to the surface of the wood to draw out stains. We recommend Olympic Premium Deck Cleaner.• Wait 5–10 minutes to let the cleaner work. Do not leave on for longer than 10 minutes.
Pro Tip: Scrubbing is not required, but a stiff bristled broom can be used for stubborn stains.
• Rinse thoroughly with water to remove any dirt or residue.
• Allow the wood surface to dry completely.
Pro Tip: Sometimes cleaning can cause tiny fibers of wood to rise to the surface. If this happens, lightly scuff-sand all surfaces of the wood with 120–150 grit sand paper. Be sure to sand with the grain, or down the long end of the board.
• Remove any sanding dust after you finish.
Test Stain Color & Appearance
• Test your stain in an inconspicuous area and allow to dry to ensure that the colour and appearance meet your expectations.Mix Your Stain
Pro Tip: Sometimes the colour can slightly vary from can to can, so mixing them together in a larger container ensures colour consistency across the whole project.• When using multiple containers, mix them together for best results.
• Stir the bucket thoroughly and often to keep the stain from settling.
• If your using a roller, fill the tray adequately. Otherwise dip your brush or pad into the bucket.
Start with Stairs, Railings and Trim
• It's best to begin with stairs, railings and trim.Pro Tip: Use a drop cloth to keep any stain from dripping onto your deck.
• Use a brush to apply your stain. Rollers and sprayers won't deliver uniform coverage on anything but a flat surface.
Then Stain the Surface of Your Deck
• When you're finished with the stairs, railings and trim move onto the surface of your deck.• Using a brush or roller, begin by applying long, even strokes down the long end of the board, across a few boards at a time.
• Make sure to maintain a wet edge (don't let the edge of the stained area dry out because applying wet stain to dry stain can create inconsistent results).
Pro Tip: If you need to stop, stop only after you've completely finished the entire board so you don't have to start up again in the middle of a plank.
• When using a roller or pad, use a stain brush and brush it back across the board to remove any excess puddling and to even out the stain.
• Once you've started, stain each section without interruption, including the visible ends of the boards so that your deck dries evenly
Apply a Second Coat
• Wait 2–4 hours and apply a second coat just as you did the first.Clean-Up
• Use soap & water to clean up tools.Replace Furniture
• After you're done give the stain 24–48 hours to dry before walking on it or replacing the furniture.• Wait at least 30 days before washing the surface.