Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Sanding and re-staining a deck
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jules_1968
09-25-07, 02:44 PM
I have been sanding my deck for the past 3 days to remove all traces of a 100% acrylic stain. We had MAJOR peeling issues that power washing alone couldn't fix. I went a little crazy on some parts so I have been sanding everthing with an orbital sander and coarse sandpaper. So far, so good, the old stain is coming off and the wood is smooth to the touch. The deck is cedar and 9 years old. It has always had something on it (except for the peeling areas.)
Questions:
1-Is there such a thing as "too smooth?" Will I have problems applying stain because of this sanding? Uneven color, etc.?
2- Can I leave it naked until next spring? The nights are getting cold here and the label says not to apply if the temp goes below 50. It's going to take me a few more days to get everything completely off and then a few more days to let it all dry. Even if I had perfect weather for application, it could easily turn to a true "fall" days after that. In a month, it could snow!
3-If I don't get all of the acrylic off, can I use a semi-transparent (oil based) stain on top of it? The nail holes are being difficult and there are a few hairline cracks that are holding strong. Will there be an issue with adhesion or will the old stain just show-through?
We are flip-flopping between semi-trans oil or more 100% acrylic (but this time, using the recommended primer beforehand). I'm not thrilled about the acrylic (scared of it peeling again) but hopefully the primer will deter that.
Questions:
1-Is there such a thing as "too smooth?" Will I have problems applying stain because of this sanding? Uneven color, etc.?
2- Can I leave it naked until next spring? The nights are getting cold here and the label says not to apply if the temp goes below 50. It's going to take me a few more days to get everything completely off and then a few more days to let it all dry. Even if I had perfect weather for application, it could easily turn to a true "fall" days after that. In a month, it could snow!
3-If I don't get all of the acrylic off, can I use a semi-transparent (oil based) stain on top of it? The nail holes are being difficult and there are a few hairline cracks that are holding strong. Will there be an issue with adhesion or will the old stain just show-through?
We are flip-flopping between semi-trans oil or more 100% acrylic (but this time, using the recommended primer beforehand). I'm not thrilled about the acrylic (scared of it peeling again) but hopefully the primer will deter that.
mitch17
09-25-07, 07:08 PM
Sanded with 100 grit is good enough for a deck.
Yes, I'd try to get all the old stain off.
Have you thought about a solid body stain?
Yes, I'd try to get all the old stain off.
Have you thought about a solid body stain?
jules_1968
09-26-07, 08:06 AM
The previous finish was a totally solid acrylic stain by Cabot... it looked just like paint.
Since I've gotten most of it off, our deck obviously looks brand new. I kind of miss the wood look.
I noticed a thread yesterday about leaving a new deck untreated over the winter and people said it would be fine. I'm assuming it would be ok for a 9 year old deck, too?
Since I've gotten most of it off, our deck obviously looks brand new. I kind of miss the wood look.
I noticed a thread yesterday about leaving a new deck untreated over the winter and people said it would be fine. I'm assuming it would be ok for a 9 year old deck, too?
marksr
09-26-07, 10:54 AM
Usually only solid stain can be found in latex/acrylic - it has a paint like appearence but usually doesn't require a primer.
Clear and semi-transparent stain are usually oil base or waterborne [not latex] While it would be preferable to stain the deck sooner rather than later, it wouldn't do much good to coat the deck in conditions not suitable for the coating. PT woods need to weather/dry a little before they can be successfully coated.
Clear and semi-transparent stain are usually oil base or waterborne [not latex] While it would be preferable to stain the deck sooner rather than later, it wouldn't do much good to coat the deck in conditions not suitable for the coating. PT woods need to weather/dry a little before they can be successfully coated.