Sand and Treat Deck Railing?

frudoc

OK. I'm back for my second novice inquiry. We've got a nice deck out back but the fellow who own ed the house before us never finished the railing/spindles, etc. I am guessing that it needs a good sanding and then....what?

Can someone give me a little guidance here? After I get it sanded, is there a treatment I can put on it to salvage it? I can't afford the time or money to redo the entire thing and I don't think I need to. I just want it to stop deteriorating, and I want to save someone from a handful of splinters.

I am hoping that is a spray on something that will do the trick? What's the best thing for me to use and the best way (easiest) way to apply it?

Thanks!

~dan

ahrens

Is it a painted deck or stained? What kind of shape are the spindles and railing in? ie good smooth and structualy sound, bad rough, splintery? little more info would be nice

frudoc

Not painted, just wood. Hardly treated I'm guessing. Great shape otherwise, structurally sound. Just needs a good sanding on parts. Actually now that I look closer the spindles are pretty good. So, I just need to know what to do after I sand it. What I treat it with and what the easiest way to apply the treatment would be. Looking for simple but effective enough.

Thanks! Heading to the hardware store. Try to check in from the road.

frudoc

Bump

Anyone have any thoughts? Hoping to avoid having to search for someone at my local big box for hours and then just hoping that their advice is legit.

novanoel

Once you have sanded the deck, be sure to get it a nice light washing.

Next, let the wood dry out completely.

Last, use arcylic latex based stain and sealer. Two to three coats shoud give you a durable finish.

Should be good to go.

ahrens

Sorry frudoc I was away for a bit, but novanoel hit the nail on the head

frudoc

Awesome! Thanks all! No worries ahrens.

A couple more silly questions:

1) I the stain and sealer one product or two?

2) How are they applied? Brush? Spray? What?

3) Is a hose down and brush scrub good enough for cleaning or do I have to get a power washer or something?

Thanks!

novanoel

1. I would use the 2 and 1 combo. Saves time and money. In my experience, the 2 and 1 stain/sealer have done a solid job.

2. They do have special wood cleaners. A bucket and brush would do just fine. Save the money on the power washer.

3. In my experience, the spraying on stain/sealer doesn't produce results like a brush. Unless you go out and buy an expensive sprayer. The brush will produce a nice even finish. Don't buy a cheap brush...you may regret it.

Remember, it is all about the prep work. Never take short cuts on prep work. It makes a huge difference.

I have a cheap home depot stockade fence that I prepped and painted about four years ago. It is still holding up very well.

frudoc

OK. Sounds great! I don't want to spend much money on this, so some 2-n-1 and a brush will be fine.

Thanks again!