In Florida, we always want to ensure that we can get the most out of our outdoor space. During summer we want to get the most out of the sun through autumn and winter where it is cool enough to spend all day outside without getting too cold. Whether you make the most of your outdoor space with a beautiful wraparound front porch, a beautiful back deck, or a property fence to keep your home safe and look great it’s necessary to keep that in top form. By staining our outdoor wooden structures you can keep them looking beautiful for years to come and also protect them from the elements.

First Steps for Staining

Before you even start, consider the project. What is the climate? Will it be hot and sunny, rainy, and humid? Top wood stains will contain a built-in protective sealer and will be mildew-resistant. In Florida, you may want to consider a stain with UV protection that will last in the heavy sunlight. Stains will also help wood from warping over time.

Pro Tip: A lighter color stain will help reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat keeping a deck or patio cooler. Darker stains will absorb heat giving the opposite effect.

Remember to clean and prepare your surface for staining. Just like when you paint you will want to clean and repair any damage to the wood. Deck scrubs are made specifically for this purpose. They use an acidic compound that will kill any mildew and help remove dirt and grime that has built up over time. Be careful if you choose to use a power washer. You can splinter the wood making it difficult to properly stain the deck afterwards.

Staining Done Right

Every stain can be slightly different so if you are taking on a DIY project, be sure to read the label and apply it correctly. The two most common applications are done with a roller or a brush (paint sprayers can also be used). Make sure to have PPE to protect your breathing, eyes, and clothes. Aprons, masks, and protective eyewear are recommended. It is also a smart choice to have a rag handy for cleanup. When applying the strain the friction from a brush will also help push it into the pores of the wood to make it last. Wood often needs a full 24 hours after staining before it should be in the rain. Be sure to either plan for weather ahead or time or be able to cover the newly stained surfaces.

Contact CorsPaint for your Staining Projects.

Outdoor wood staining projects are great beginner DIY projects, but if you aren’t feeling up to the task or don’t have the time CorsPaint is here to help! We can help you with the process from start to finish. Whether you need help staining, painting, or even the repairs. Contact CorsPaint today and our team of professional painters will work with you through the whole process ensuring that you have a great experience and a beautiful end product.