The secret of a successful job is the preparation of the wooden surface and the application of the product, stain or paint, according to the rules of the art. Here is some useful info.

First, how often should you stain or paint your patio? It depends on a number of factors, including orientation, how you use it, and the severity of the weather.

How Do You Know If It's Time To Stain Or Paint Your Deck?

To find out if it's time to get started, do an inspection after the snow melts. Does the coating flake? Is there mold? Is the surface worn or discolored? If so, now is the time to offer it a facelift, otherwise the deterioration of the wood will be rapid. Do not skip any step. The majority of decking problems are the result of improper preparation or improper weathering.

What Is The Ideal Temperature For Staining Or Painting Your Patio Deck?

Before beginning to apply the exterior coating (paint or stain), check the weather forecast. Unless your patio is in the shade, choose a cloudy day. Never apply stain or paint under direct sunlight as this will adversely affect product adhesion and color consistency. In addition, the ambient and surface temperatures should be between 10 ° C (50 ° F) and 32 ° C (90 ° F) for a period of 24 hours. In addition, patio stains should be applied when the relative humidity is between 40 and 70%. Too high a rate may change the gloss and the drying time. Indicated by the manufacturer, the latter corresponds to the time provided under normal conditions, a temperature of 21 ° C (70 ° F) and a relative humidity of 40%. It can therefore vary if these conditions change. Also, refrain from setting to work if rain, dew or frost is expected within three days. Finally, the wood itself must be very dry. Its moisture content, verifiable using a hygrometer, must not exceed 15%.

How To Prepare Your Wood Surface?

The surface of your terrace or gallery must be very clean. Remove any pebbles or grains of sand. If the wood is stained, dirty, chipped, damaged or has mold, you will need to resolve these issues before proceeding with the application. There is a whole range of products, including cleaners, brighteners, restorers and strippers. Ask your retailer about their usefulness and find out about the necessary preparation before carrying out the work. CAA-Quebec's housing advisory services can also guide you through this step, as during all those that will follow in this project.

Can You Stain Or Paint Over A Coating?

It is possible to paint a tinted surface, but not vice versa. If there is already a coating, take the time to check whether the new layer will adhere well to the old one. How? 'Or' What? Thanks to the drop of water test which consists of sprinkling a few drops at random on different sections of the terrace. If the water beads, sand your wood lightly before applying stain or paint. If the water is absorbed quickly, you can proceed with confidence. There is also the "adhesive tape" test which consists of applying the new layer on a small, inconspicuous section and allowing it to dry for 24 hours. Then firmly press the end of an adhesive strip onto the freshly covered surface before removing it with a quick, dry movement. If the tape is clean, the diaper is in place and there is no need to remove the old one. On the other hand, if the new layer adheres to the adhesive strip or if all the old coating is peeled off, you will have to strip or sand the entire surface. In some cases, a primer may be necessary. Ask a paint specialist for advice. The latter can also help you with your choice of paint or dye as well as your accessories.