How To Apply Sealant

Applying stain or a sealant to a wooden deck can be a long process and it is also very labor intensive. Wood decks require a good deal of maintenance to keep them looking their very best. Applying a sealant is one of the most important parts of the maintenance process. If you have already determined that it is necessary to retreat the wood at this point in time all that is left is to move the grill and furniture and to have at it.

Following the steps below will give you a great seal and take some of the sting out of doing the job. Read on to see how applying a sealant can be made simple.

1. The spindles and railings are the hardest part so start with them while you are fresh. It makes little difference if they are square or round they are still tough to paint. The most effective method is to use a 2 or 3 inch deck brush. So all the spindles all the way around the deck. If the all of the portions are not accessible from the deck itself, do the outsides from a ladder being sure to get all the places that you can reach. This will keep you from having to go up again. The brush is the easiest and best way to make sure the sealant gets into all of the nooks and crannies of the spindle.

2. Now it is time to get to the main event. The deck itself. A 6"wide stain brush works great. One little trick is to attach the brush to a pole and then you can apply the stain in a sweeping like motion. This saves both knees and back.You can also use a sprayer to evenly coat the surface of the deck with sealant or a large full sized roller will do just as well. if you do use a roller you will have to get the brush for the seams and corners to make certain the sealant penetrated them.

3. Okay, you are almost there. Take a deep breath get a drink and lets begin with the underside of the deck. It has to be treated because moisture will also collect underneath. You also have to do the steps leading to the deck. Yes, both sides. You should do one section at a time. If you choose to use the sprayer (this is the most thorough) you will still need to even it out with a brush. And please remember safety first use safety gear to avoid inhaling the mist from the spray. Working underneath you will also need on safety glasses to protect your eyes.

Deck maintenance is not easy but it doesn't have to be the worst chore of the day nor does it have to ruin the entire weekend. Learn more about sealing wooden decks online.


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And if you're curious about metal deck and steel decking feel free to visit Jon Steele at D-Mac Industries in Alpharetta Georgia.