Why does my deck stain peel off 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.
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Why is my deck stain peeling after one year?

Common reasons for peeling: The deck wasn't properly prepared; poor preparation can stop the oil from penetrating and means that it fails to protect the wood. The wrong type of stain or sealer was used; a heavy duty exterior deck oil is required to withstand exposure to the elements.
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How do I stop my deck stain from peeling?

Poor Maintenance and Lack of Sealer

The easiest and most effective way to prevent your deck stain from peeling is to go over your deck with a proper sealant. Deck sealers essentially waterproof your deck, keeping moisture from contacting the surface directly.
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Is there a deck stain that doesn't peel?

A: Many experts agree that the best finish for pressure-treated wood is a semi-transparent stain. This stain penetrates the wood and won't peel, unlike some solid-colour stains, which sit on the surface like paint and can peel and flake under some conditions.
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Can you stain over peeling stain?

If you stain on top of peeling stain, the new layer of wood stain will end up peeling right off with the old one before you know it. Additionally, if you want to make sure you have as even a color as possible you need to use a stripper.
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Why Do Deck Stains Peel?



How long should deck stain last?

The best stains should last three to five years on a deck and even longer if applied to siding or fences, which don't get as much abuse.
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Can you Restain a deck without sanding?

Do I need to sand the deck before staining? The answer to this is “it depends.” You won't hurt the deck by applying a light sanding. It really depends on the age of the decking and it's condition. Sanding is more for the feel of the deck than to prepare it to accept a new stain.
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What is the longest lasting deck stain?

Opaque: Sometimes called “solid deck stain,” this product contains the highest percentage of pigment and can protect wood the longest, requiring a recoat every 4 to 5 years. Opaque stain, also the densest, completely hides the wood grain.
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Can you Restain a deck over old 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.
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Which is better Olympic or Behr deck stain?

According to Consumer Reports, Olympic Maximum Solid Stain & Sealant in One is rated in their top solid wood stains category, coming in slightly behind Behr.
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Does Thompsons Water Seal peel?

– THOMPSONS WATERSEAL STAIN & SEALER does not soak into the wood but dries on top like a paint. Less than 6 months it started to fail. Not only is there visible flaking but the coating is washing off in areas that are not flaking.
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Why is my deck over peeling?

According to the manufacturer, several causes could have led to the delamination, including improper prepwork and inadequate coating thickness. But the cure doesn't sound too bad: Just a thorough cleaning of the affected area, followed by a touch-up application.
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What causes decking paint to peel?

One of the reasons your deck paint keeps peeling is poor preparation –either the wood deck wasn't properly cleaned and sanded, or the paint was applied before the wood dried completely. Another possible reason is low paint quality used or paints applied too thickly without enough drying time between each coat.
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Is it better to paint or stain a deck?

Paint allows you more color options, as where stain is limited to shades of brown. Because paint fills gaps and cracks, it hides the flaws of a weathered or old deck much better than stain does. It's easier to clean a painted deck rather than a stained one.
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Can I touch up deck stain?

Yes, it is possible to stain over the existing stain on a deck. It is recommended to do this at least once every 5-15 years, depending on how worn your deck is.
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Is Behr or Sherwin Williams deck stain better?

Consumer Reports just tested 76 products under tough conditions that accelerate the effects of the elements, from spring showers to summer sun to the sleet and snow that can torment siding and decks in colder months. Sherwin-Williams won big among paints, while Behr took home top honors among stains.
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How often should you stain your deck?

Typically, homeowners should restain horizontal surfaces such as decks every two to three years. Poor deck upkeep will decrease the time you have to enjoy the deck before restaining it, while good deck upkeep may give you another year or two before you need to restain the deck.
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Do you have to remove all old stain before restaining a deck?

You do not ALWAYS have to strip off old stains when staining a previously stained deck if you are applying the same stain type, color, and brand as the old one. Since deck stains penetrate deep into the wood, they prevent moisture buildup and protect your deck from mold UV rays and rot.
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Can I stain over stain without sanding?

Can you restain wood without sanding? While some light sanding may be advised for almost all stain projects, it is possible to avoid heavy sanding and stripping of existing stain. Using a gel stain means that you can avoid the heavy sanding and stripping usually required by traditional staining projects.
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Which brand of deck stain is best?

The 9 Best Deck Stains to Protect and Revive Your Deck
  • Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Solid Deck Stain. ...
  • Clear Preserva Wood Exterior Wood Stain. ...
  • Russet Behr Premium Exterior Wood Stain. ...
  • Olympic Elite Exterior Wood Stain. ...
  • Valspar Pre-Tinted Semi-Transparent Exterior Stain. ...
  • Cabot Wood Protector Clear Exterior Stain.
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Which is better oil based or water based deck stain?

Water-based stains require a little more time and effort than oils, but it pays off with significantly greater durability. Oil based stains are easy to apply and take less effort, but they will not last nearly as long as a water based stain.
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Is Cabot or Behr deck stain better?

Additionally, we were pleased to see that Cabot Solid Acrylic Siding stain scored very well in their 2014 ratings." And after two years the Behr still looked really good, but the Cabot had started to break down. In fact, the Behr Premium Semi-Transparent Weather Proofing Wood Stain earned top ratings.
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Should you pressure wash deck before staining?

There is a common misconception that just pressure washing a deck prior to staining is all you need to do in order to prep your deck for stain. Pressure washing can help, but if you want your stain to last, using a good deck cleaner and brightener on the deck prior to pressure washing will provide you the best result.
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