How do you stain a deck that has already been stained?

To Cover a Semi-transparent Color: Cover the existing stain with semi-transparent or solid stain. To Cover a Solid Color: Apply another solid finish stain. Semi-transparent stains are engineered to bind with the surface of the wood and won't bind well to a solid surface.

Do I need to remove old stain before restaining a deck?

Generally speaking, it's a good idea to completely remove all traces of the previous coat of deck stain before applying a new one. The reasons for this may be fairly obvious -- a previous coat of stain might be peeling away from the surface in several areas.

Can you stain a deck over existing stain?

Can I stain over a stained deck? If your deck is in good condition and you're looking to apply a maintenance coat to keep your deck looking new, then yes… you can stain over a stained deck. It's the same if the surface of your boards are starting to look really worn and faded. Applying more stain won't hide the damage.

Can you put new stain over old stain?

Can I stain on top of old stain? Yes! In fact, applying stain over stain is a fairly simple process. It works especially well if you're applying a dark stain over a lighter stain.

Can I stain over stain without sanding?

You do not need to sand off the previous stain and finish. The purpose of the light sanding is to give a little tooth to the surface to help your new stain colour stick.

How to Re-Stain a Deck | Ask This Old House

Should I sand stained wood before restaining?

Wipe down the wood to raise the grain. If you don't raise the grain now, the stain will raise it later. However, re-sanding to get the wood smooth again removes much of the stain. Let the wood dry, then sand with 180- to 220-grit paper.

Can you stain over existing finish?

When staining over an existing finish, it's much easier and safer to go darker rather than lighter. Keep in mind, because you're applying a new stain to an existing color and finish, the color you choose will be altered because the original finish will show through somewhat.

What stain can go over stain?

Gel stains can be applied over an existing finish with a light sanding. This is because Gel Stains are topical and don't penetrate the wood as traditional stains do. I have a full tutorial on How To Apply Gel Stains Over an EXISTING Finish here.

How long do you let stain sit before wiping it off?

Wipe the stain off immediately if you'd like a lighter tone. But for a deeper tone, leave the stain on the wood for 5 to 10 minutes before wiping it off. Be sure to wipe off all the excess stain going in the direction of the grain of the wood.

Should you wash a stain immediately?

Treat stain immediately. Soak 30 minutes or more in cold water. Rub detergent into stain. If stain persists, place a small amount of household ammonia on the stain and rub again with detergent.

How do you Restain a deck with old stain?

Use a natural-bristle paintbrush to apply oil-based products and a synthetic-bristle brush to apply water-based stains. Then stain or seal the surface decking boards with a flat paint-pad applicator. Let the stain soak according to instructions and remove excess with a rag.

What is the best deck stain to cover old stain?

The best deck stain for most homeowners is Arborcoat by Benjamin Moore, which is easy to apply and provides excellent protection against the elements. The brand is known for its high-quality paint, so it's not too surprising that you'd rely on its products for your wood staining needs, too.

Can you stain a deck twice?

If you apply a second, unnecessary coat of stain to wood that is already adequately covered, you risk creating a tacky surface that is prone to early peeling because the second coat is not penetrating the wood surface, but simply laying on top of the first coat of stain.

What is the number one rule of stain removal?

1. Act quickly – scrape off solids with a blunt knife and blot liquid with absorbent paper. Never spot-clean any stain with hot or warm water as it can set the stain.

Why is my deck sticky after staining?

"A sticky or tacky deck is usually due to over-application or failing to wipe the excess stain from the surface of the wood.

Should I stain with a brush or rag?

The best way to apply stain is with a lint free rag and wiping it into the grain of the wood. Using a lint free rag is the best way to apply wood stain because it is great for controlling the amount of stain that is applied and for removing any excess stain.

Can you put a darker stain on already stained wood?

If you want to re-stain wood that has a darker stain and you want a lighter stain, you must first remove the said stain, or you can use a darker stain over the lighter stain in order to darken the existing stain.

Why does my deck stain peel every year?

Deck stains will generally peel for two basic reasons: over application and poor adhesion. This is simple — too much stain on the surface of the wood. With deck stains, specifically with semi-transparent finishes, more is not better. You only want to apply as much product as the wood can easily absorb.

What makes a stain worse?

Using hot or warm water

Flushing a fresh stain with hot water may seem obvious, but it can have the opposite effect. Hot water can permanently set some stains, particularly those that are protein-based, like blood. Instead, always use cold water.

Can you Restain wood that has been sealed?

If you're wood has already been sealed by polyurethane or another finish, the wood stain won't work, because it can't reach the pores of the wood. Visually inspecting your piece is the easiest way to tell if the wood has already been sealed.

Will a second coat of stain make wood darker?

Yes, each layer will darken your project even more. You can also start with a lighter color Gel Stain and layer on darker colors.

What happens if you don't sand before staining?

You need a smooth surface with no blemishes because stain will highlight scratches and dings in the wood. Always sand down to clean wood (if you have enough meat left of the wood) before applying any stain.

Can you put solid stain over solid stain?

To Cover a Semi-transparent Color: Cover the existing stain with semi-transparent or solid stain. To Cover a Solid Color: Apply another solid finish stain. Semi-transparent stains are engineered to bind with the surface of the wood and won't bind well to a solid surface.