Tips on Using Exterior Stains

Preparation

• There are several steps you can take in preparation of your exterior staining project, including choosing the right brush, preparing the surface to be stained and choosing the stain itself. Choosing the right brush is as simple as following one simple rule: natural-bristled brushes for oil stains, and synthetic-bristled brushes for latex stains. Brand new wood and previously stained wood are ready to accept stain in their current state, but painted wood needs to be cleaned and sanded before the first coat of stain is applied. It is also important to test the color of your chosen stain to ensure it is the shade you desire. Apply a small bit of stain to a concealed area before starting your project.

Lasting Color

• Unfortunately, stain fades quicker than paint, which means it needs to be applied more frequently. You can stretch the time between recoating exterior wood surfaces with stain by adding a second coat, but be aware that the color may darken as a result of this. If a second coat will not compromise the color you're after, it will also hide lap marks that can appear because of how quickly stains dry, resulting in a consistent, even appearance. Second coats may, however, darken the shade to a desirable color and offer further protection to unfinished or weathered outdoor wood.

Prevent Settling

• To ensure an evenly colored surface, frequently stir the stain you are working with to prevent the pigment, which is essentially the color of the stain, from settling at the bottom of the can or container. To keep the pigment from settling, which it will do rapidly, it is important to thoroughly stir the stain until the mixture appears smooth and consistent in color.

Application Techniques

• You should always apply interior and exterior stains by wiping or brushing it in the same direction as the wood grains in smooth, fluid strokes, wiping away any excess stain. The easiest way to stain is typically left to right, top to bottom. This will always have you working above the ladder in heightened situations, three to five boards at a time. The optimum temperature of a stain to be used is usually about 70 degrees, and should only be applied to thoroughly dry surfaces that are not excessively hot. Before applying a second coat of exterior stain, be sure to let it dry for at least 24 hours.

Avoid Lap Marks

• Lap marks occur during interior and exterior staining projects when an area of stain is allowed to dry before it can be properly blended with an ongoing section. This often happens because of how quickly stains dry. To avoid having lap marks, you should never stop for any long amount of time in the middle of a wall. Stop only at windows, doors and corners, and by applying stain from new areas back into the last wet stain area. This keeps stain from drying before being blended into adjoining sections.