As you happen to look at your back window, you remember that it is about time you prepare your patio deck for the coming of the spring season. You see your patio furniture still stacked on the corner and the grill is still concealed beneath its winter cover. It certainly requires a lot of work that is yet to be done. Suddenly you get excited as you envision how your deck will look after all the cleaning and staining will be completed. The key to a lasting finish is bequeath by the preparation and work done prior to the application of the first coat of stain.

Exterior wood is damage after some time of being exposed to the natural elements of the earth. The unchanging cycle of sun drying and moisture cause any deck boards to splinter, warp, cup and check. Thus, it is of essence not to only seal out the moisture but also to stain patio decks using the right oil based staining product. To explicitly explain why the oil based products are more favorable, think of a single drop of water on your skin. As this water dries up or evaporates, its moisturizing effect is aborted. This analogy is akin to using water based staining product on your patio deck. With the same analogy, instead of water, think of putting a drop of oil unto your skin. The oil will serve as en emollient to keep your skin pliable. The very same reason why oil based products are more recommended in staining patio decks. Oils are natural moisture repellant. It abolishes the drying effect that causes premature aging. Therefore, to add more years to your patio deck's like, make use of oil based staining and sealer products.

Choosing the appropriate stain is vital in the staining process. And it is important you get the best quality stain to apply to your deck. Stains can be availed in semi-transparent, transparent, latex bases or opaque oil. They can be applied to unpainted wood surfaces, require only a single coat to color and treat wood, and do not require any primer. Stains, like paint, form thin films of its substance on the wood's surface. However, stains can provide better protection than paints since the former are less inclined to flaking or peeling.

With the right staining product in hand, now you ask how to stain your patio deck. The application of stains or wood preservative is ideally done under a shade or beneath the sunlight or upon a completely dry surface. After application, let let it dry for about 12 to 24 hours.

In preparing the patio deck surface prior to stain application, sand, scrape and remove whatever existing protection the deck has before putting on the stain coats. For utmost clean surface, roughly sand and scrape the entire surface with the use of an 80-100 grade sandpaper or electric sander. Be very certain to clean the deck surface. After which, you apply a remover first before stripping off the old protective coating with the use of a flexible spatula. There are two types of remover for you to choose from: the water based and the methyl chloride removers. Methyl chloride removers or also known as sodium hydroxide-based removers dry up quickly, in a matter of lesser than 15 minutes. However, this type, along with its fumes are toxic and flammable. If you opt to use this type of remover, practice the necessary precautions to avoid dangerous accidents. On the other hand, the water based type is efficient as well, but only slower. It is up to you to choose what kind of remover you will use in taking off your deck's old protection.

In completing the task of protection removal, a heat gun may be helpfully used. Just be very careful not to scorch the wood or you may apply more coat of the remover. Finish the preparation by sanding off the now bare surface with the use of the electric sandpaper. As you finish sanding it off, again ensure your deck is totally clean by brushing or sweeping the surface to eliminate any dust, or traces of the paint and remover. A water hose also proves to be aiding or a pressure nozzle to clean the surface. But you have to wait for another 24-48 hours for it to completely dry up before you can finally put on your new stain.

Once your patio deck has been utterly cleaned and dried up, you may finish the interesting job of applying the stain you have chosen. Keep in mind that stains are directly applied onto a clean and sanded surface. If you wish, you can put on additional coats. Remember that more coats will make your stain appear more opaque but not overly opaque, unless you make use of an opaque stain. For better results, “two coatings” is the most recommended number of stain coat.

As soon as you are done staining your entire patio, you just have to wait for at most another day to let it dry. With a newly stained patio deck, you will sure enjoy another fun and adventurous summer, as you are ready to invite friends over for an afternoon tea party outside your brand new looking patio, with the sun above your head shining even brighter.