Restain Our Wood Deck.

June 24, 2008

Q: We have recently moved into an older home and we would like to restain our wood deck. What type of stain should we use and how often should we finish a wood deck to prevent it from graying again?

A: The gray results from the reaction of the sun's UV rays with the wood fibers. How long a finish lasts depends on the exposure, stain color and the application. First, clean the deck with the Shell Busey Home Cleaning formula then apply a quality penetrating clear or semi-transparent stain. The finish you choose will depend on the look you want to achieve. If you like the natural look of wood, use a clear penetrating finish. This will bring out the wood’s grain while providing protection from water and the sun. Expect the finish to last 2-3 years. If you want to add some color but still want to see the grain of the wood, then a semi-transparent finish is what you need and lasts 3 or more years. For an older deck consider a solid color deck stain.

Shell Busey