How to Make Stain Stick to a Deck

Apply paint remover to the deck to remove existing layers of paint or flaking, peeling stain. Methyl chloride- and hydroxide-based paint removers are suitable for use on wood decks. Water-based removers are also suitable and less toxic, although they work much more slowly. Removers go on like paint, sit for a while to dissolve the paint or stain and then are wiped off. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and methods. If there is no paint or stain on the deck, skip this step.

Sprinkle droplets of water in each of the four quadrants of the deck. If the water quickly absorbs, there's no need to sand. If the water beads, so will the stain. You'll have to sand the surface to give the stain something to stick to. If the water test is inconclusive, apply a strip of stain to an inconspicuous spot on the deck. Allow it to dry for 24 hours. Press a strip of tape onto the stain. Rub it to assure adhesion, and then pull it off. If the stain sticks to the deck, there's no need to sand. If the stain sticks to the tape, it won't stick to the deck.

Sand the surface of the deck with an electric sander and sanding block. Sand in the direction of the grain of the wood. Sweep away all sanding dust with a broom. Concentrate on the space between planks as well as other nooks and crannies. Make two or three passes. Any dust left on the deck will show up in the stain.

Apply the stain to the wood surface, following the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and amounts. Stain sticks best when conditions are right. Wait until conditions are cloudy or the sun is waning, as bright sunlight dries the stain too quickly and interferes with adhesion. Temperatures outside must be between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity levels must be between 40 and 70 percent. Conditions must remain in this range for 24 hours after application. No rain should be expected for at least 72 hours.

Allow the paint to dry for the manufacturer's recommended amount of time -- usually 12 to 24 hours -- before walking on the deck again. The cooler and wetter the conditions, the longer the drying time.