As a kid, I used to watch Norm Abram build the most perfect furniture on the New Yankee Work Shop TV show. Sending for a “materials list and a measured drawing" was always a dream of mine. Years later, as a grown man, I had finally achieved this dream and built a Morris Chair. It was my first real wood working project. I remember staining the beautiful oak wood. Oh! How the grain popped!
That is the purpose of staining. It reveals the true beauty of the wood.
Now, when it comes to exterior stains used on decks and other elements of homes, wood beauty is not always the primary focus...it’s Protection. If an exterior stain does not possess the proper protection qualities, the wood can be easily damaged through the years, especially from weather conditions. Not only does the stain fail, but the wood becomes ruined as well.
The key to having success with an exterior staining project is preparation. Many homeowners and DIY’ers simply think that the prep stage can be skipped. I know...because I have done the same thing when staining my own pergola. I learned the hard way!
No matter how well treated or dried your wood is, preparing the surface is critical for any stain product to work correctly. ALWAYS make certain that you or your contractor follow all of the directions displayed on the stain product.
If your product suggests waiting to apply stain until the outdoor temperature is below 80 degrees and the humidity is below 59%. DO IT!
If the wood is too swollen or wet from heat or moisture, the pores may not absorb the stain fully. Then, you could be left with stain sitting on top of the wood...which will lead to peeling.
If this happens, it will only take a few years before you will be redoing this exact same project again.
Knowing if sealers have been applied to the wood is also crucial before attempting to stain. Wood sealers are protective coatings applied to wood surfaces to preserve appearance and durability by blocking moisture, UV rays, and environmental damage. If they are present, sanding the wood will be required before applying any type of stain.
In short, choose your exterior stain product based on protection rather than transparency. This means selecting a stain with more protective qualities as opposed to a stain which is only for aesthetic purposes (i.e. allowing more of the wood grain to show through or “transparency”). READ and study all of the preparation guidelines. Select the color you like best, and wait for the right environmental conditions based on the individual project and the stain product itself.