Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - does sidewalk chalk cause deck stain to peel?

Hi,

My husband is convinced that allowing my daughter to draw with sidewalk chalk on our newly stained deck will damage it. It peeled last year (although from reading other posts it might be because he used a solid acrylic deck stain...) and so he re-did it this year. Will the chalk damage the stain or can I let my daughter have at it?

Welcome to the forums! I hate to side with your husband on principle, but why would let her draw on a good deck to begin with? What about a chalk board, etc? I don't think the chalk caused any peeling. It could have been from applying the stain too soon after cleaning or the wood still having too much water content in it after construction. If I redid a deck, cleaned, new stain, sore knees, dirty hands, I think I would object to the chalk, too.

the chalk will not damage the stain other than it is a little bit abrasive. tell him to get out there and help her to draw it will make her day and may help him to relax some.

life begins when the kids leave home and the dog dies

I agree with the others, I doubt the chalk did any harm other than to the looks of the deck.

Good prep, quality stain and decent weather are all needed to get a good stain job. As always you will find the best coatings at your local paint store - not a big box paint dept.