Semitransparent deck stains last much longer than clear water-repellent preservatives because the pigment protects both the wood and the preservative from the damaging effects of the sun. One problem with stains is that the stain may wear off in high-traffic areas such as steps, and it may be difficult to hide these patterns completely when restaining. Preservative-treated wood shouldn't affect the finish�Cwaterborne preservative treatments such as CCA don't affect the finishing characteristics of wood and may enhance the durability of some semitransparent stains. CCA contains chromium oxides that bond to the wood, decrease degradation of the surface and increase durability of semitransparent stains, often by a factor of two to three. garden fence panelsOther common wood preservatives don't contain chromium oxides. so staining this type of treated lumber is similar to staining untreated wood. Nonchromium treatments include ammoniacal copper zinc arsenate (ACZA) and ammoniacal copper quaternary (ACQ). Don't put off applying the finish�COn a newly built deck, apply the finish after the wood dries below about 20% moisture content.

If your lumber is not preservative-treated and is grade-stamped S-DRY (surface dry), KD (kiln-dried) or MC-15 (average moisture content 15%) or is treated and stamped KDAT (kiln-dried after treatment), it can be finished immediately. If treated and stamped S-DRY, KD or MC-15, that only means it was dried before treatment. Ideally, these boards should be finished prior to installation so that the end grain of each board can be coated. It's often recommended to wait a year to finish a deck. We think a year is too long to wait because checking, cracking and splintering can occur. We don't think you should wait more than two months to finish your deck. Brushing on the finish is best. but follow the manufacturer's recommendations. environmentally friendly flower boxYou can apply the finish faster having one person spraying and another person following and working the finish into the wood with a brush. To avoid lap marks in semitransparent stains. brush the stain on only two or three boards at a time and stain along their full length. Second coats of semitransparent stains should be applied while the first coat is still wet (within 30 minutes to 45 minutes), or they won't absorb. If the first coat is dry.

it seals the surface, and the second coat forms a film. To maintain the water-repellent finish of your deck. it's best to reapply a finish annually or semiannually. The most obvious way to tell if your deck needs refinishing is to see if water beads on the surface or is absorbed. If water beads, there is no need to refinish. If it doesn't, apply a water repellent. If mildew is a problem, refinish with a water-repellent preservative. Usually. water repellents and water-repellent preservatives can be applied over existing finishes; however, it's always a good idea to test compatibility in an inconspicuous area. decking cost calculator uk Don't confuse decking stains with siding stains, which 64 The Best of Fine Homebuilding aren't for use on horizontal wearing surfaces. If you apply too many coats of stain, a film will form on the wood, and it eventually will crack and cause problems (photo center). If applied properly, semitransparent oil-based stains penetrate into the wood without forming a film.