How to Change Exterior Stain Color

Select a stain color. Stains are available in two different styles, solid stain and semi-transparent stain. Semi-transparent stain protects the wood and adds a little color while allowing the grain and the natural color of the wood to show. Solid stains are opaque and their consistency is similar to thinned paint. Solid stain offers a much wider choice of colors.

Clean the surface. The extent of the cleaning depends upon the type of surface and how dirty it is. Decks need to be swept to remove leaves and branches. Decks and siding usually need to be washed with a pressure washer and detergent. A garden hose can substitute for the pressure washer if the wood is not too dirty. Mildew is a common problem on exterior wooden surfaces, and needs extra cleaning .

Test the stain color. Buy a quart of the stain to test it. Select a spot that has a low degree of visibility. Apply the stain with a brush, and allow it to thoroughly dry. Examine the color. Use a light to see the color if the sample spot is in a dark area.

Apply the new stain. Stain may be applied with brushes and rollers or with a sprayer. Latex stains dry relatively fast and this can cause problems if you are not systematic in the application of the stain. It is essential to always maintain a wet edge. If it is allowed to dry, before continuing the line, the distinction between the old edge and the new edge will be obvious. Develop a strategy and plan for staining the surface. Start in one corner and work your way across, always overlapping the wet edge. This is especially crucial when using brushes and rollers.