Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Staining Exterior Pine Patio Ceiling

I have recently had built a patio cover. The ceiling is vaulted, and pine tongue in groove. I wanted to stain it a light color. Not sure how, though. I have stained plenty of furniture, etc., but never a ceiling. Help! Do I spray it, or wipe it, or brush it, or roll it? Is this a two person job? Do I fill the nail holes after staining, or before? Do I need to sand between finishes? Pretty sure that they did not sand the wood before putting it up. Thanks.

Welcome to the forums!

It would have been easier to stain and apply the first coat of poly prior to installation but........ penetrating stains need to have the excess removed with a rag. Spraying the stain on might be a little easier than a brush but either will work. It is important to keep a wet edge with the stain - stain an entire board, don't stop in the middle of the board. After the stain has dried you need to apply a coat of poly. When it's dry you can putty up the nail holes, sand and apply another coat of poly. Some will call the job done but another light sanding followed by a 3rd coat of poly will really make the ceiling look sharp :thumbup:

If you have a little bit of scrap pine, you might want to try a coat of oil base poly on it, without stain. The oil poly will deepen the colors in the wood and maybe you can skip the stain.

btw - you should sand and/or clean up the wood as needed prior to applying any coating.