Stain over old stain?

If water beads and the film peels, strip. If it's worn and water soaks in, clean and recoating the same type often works.

Spray for speed, back-brush immediately.

Often 48 hours in the shade. Moisture under ~15%.

Home & DIY

Deck Staining Guide

Clean, dry, stain with the grain, stay off it until it cures

6h6 photographed stepsIntermediate

You will decide clean vs strip, wash and brighten, wait for moisture to drop, pick a stain, cut in, apply without puddles, and plan the yearly wash so this isn't a peeling mess in 12 months.

What you'll learn

The water-bead test
Why wet wood rejects stain
Oil vs water-based in plain language
How puddles become shiny blotches

Inside this course

Prep is the jobStain on dirty wet wood is a very expensive filter photo.
Product and weatherHot full sun flashes stain and leaves lap marks.
ApplyTwo boards at a time. No puddles in the gaps.
Next yearA wash is cheaper than a strip.

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First steps from Prep is the job

See how every step looks — photo, checklist, and pro tips included.

The wood has to be ready to drink. Beading means it isn't thirsty.

01Sprinkle test

Water beads: old coating is still sealing — you likely strip. Water darkens the wood fast: cleaning may be enough.

Cleaner, scrub with the grain, rinse. Brightener after alkaline cleaners. Protect plants. These chemicals are not lawn food.

02Dry and repair

Moisture under about 15%. North shade dries last. Replace punky boards. Sink popped nails. Sand raised grain after washing.

Stain will not glue rotten wood together.

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Free tips from this course

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Step 1

Sprinkle test

Step 2

Dry and repair

Step 3

Transparent vs solid

Step 4

Mask the house

Step 5

Cut in, then the field

Step 6

When water stops soaking in evenly

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