[Porsche986S]

I hope this is the correct forum to ask . So I live in the Georgia mountains and the deck on the back of our house gets the morning eastern sun . By the afternoon aprox. 75 % is shaded by the house . I installed new 5/4 PT deck boards in Nov/Dec time frame so they have " weathered " for 4-5 months . In my opinion they are now ready to be stained .

I plan to use TWP's semi transparent oil based stain and have some general questions .

1.What prep is needed for the deck boards ? A simple cleaning ? Sanding ?
2.What is the best DIY method of application ? Roller or lambs wool applicator ?
3.Generally speaking two coats should be sufficient ?

I will ask at the paint store also but there is a lot of knowledge on this board so it can't hurt to have extra data :biggrin2: I do own a gas powered pressure washer if needed . Any advice is appreciated .

 

[mark sr]

#1 - clean and give plenty of time to dry, no sanding needed
#2 - roller is preferred, too easy for an applicator pad to snag
#3 - yes

 

[Porsche986S]

Thanks for the quick reply . What nap thickness roller is generally preferred ? Is a foam roller good or stay away from foam ?

 

[mark sr]

I've never cared much for foam roller covers. I'd use either 1/2" or 3/4" nap. The larger nap makes it easier to apply but it's possible it might not lay the stain down nice enough for everyone.

 

[Porsche986S]

Mark I appreciate the feedback , wow I would not have thought to go with that thick of a nap . The 5/4 is quite smooth and consistent so I would have guessed a 3/8 would do it . Solely based on my paint experience I have never applied stain to a deck .

 

[Porsche986S]

Another question , to estimate how much stain I need is using 200 s.f. per gallon a " safe " estimate ? I know it will drink the first coat and 2nd coat should go further . I also have to do 12 posts and about 80 ' of handrail cap .

 

[mark sr]

It can be a little hard to estimate exactly how much stain a deck will take. The drier or more porous the wood is - the more stain it will take. 200 sq ft per gallon is a good starting point.

 

[Porsche986S]

^^^ Yeah there is a lot of variables I just want to get close , I will error on the high side on the purchase as it can always be used in the future . Thanks for the reply .

 

[epoxyfied]

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