Transform Your Weathered Deck Into A
Focal Point Of Your Home
Our Deck Refinishing Process
The process starts simply enough by removing all the loose debris. We’ll then determine if the old stain or paint needs to be removed via a stripping process. Once complete, we’ll check the temperate of the wood and cool as necessary to avoid flash drying. We’ll then apply a custom formulated cleaning solution, which will bring all dirt to the surface. We’ll then go old school and Brush, Brush and Brush the dirt away. After a thorough pressure washing, we’ll apply a wood brightener and reduce the ph balance for proper staining.
While all the above steps might be enough for a fresh coat of stain, we take the extra step of sanding your entire deck. This opens the pores and removes any residual paint or stain.
The final step will be applying either a water-based or oil-based stain. Here’s the pros and cons of each:
Penetrate Deeply
Oil-based stains penetrate deeply. Compared to water molecules, oil molecules are much smaller in size, enabling them to penetrate the board more deeply with an added layer of moisture beneath its surface. As a result, wood stains that contain oil have been proven to be longer-lasting and possess higher durability than those consisting of only water.
Pros
Rich Color
Oil-based stains provide a darker, richer color as they bind with the wood to create a film that reflects light and adds dimension.
Long-Lasting — Reapplication
Oil-based stains provide a more lasting finish on wood than water-based alternatives due to their ability to deeply penetrate the surface. They also can be reapplied every 24 – 36 months without having to strip the old stain.
Cons
Longer Dry Times
The oil evaporates more slowly from wood surfaces, which causes an extended drying process compared to water.
Application Process
Our preferred oil-based stain requires careful application. More stain is not necessarily better…The process requires experience and careful preparation. In addition, we must use mineral based spirits for clean-up and safety. This just means a longer time to apply than water-based stains.
Costs
There will be slight increase in material costs and labor. Though, the cost is repaid once the stain is reapplied as no stripping will be needed.
Understanding Water-Based Stains
Pros
Quick Drying Times
Water evaporates quickly, which helps to speed up the drying process. Additionally, water-based stains are typically made with pigments that are soluble in water, which also helps to speed up the drying process.
Easy Clean-up
Water is the main solvent in water-based stains which allows for easy cleanup. The stain components dissolve in water and can be successfully removed with a simple rinse of soap and water.
Less Expensive
Water is a cheap and abundant material, while oil is more expensive. Water-based stains are typically made with pigments that are soluble in water, which also helps to reduce the cost of the stain.
Cons
May Not Penetrate as Deeply
Water-based stains are made up of water, which is a polar molecule. This means that it is attracted to water, which makes it difficult for the water in the stain to penetrate the wood’s pores.
Not as Durable in Exterior Applications
Water-based stains may be damaged by sunlight, rain and wind, if not properly formulated with UV absorbers and other protective ingredients.
Could Raise Grain of Wood
Water will cause the grain of the wood to raise because the wood fibers will swell. When the wood fibers swell, they become more visible and the surface of the wood becomes rough. Grain raising is a common problem with water-based stains, and it can be difficult to avoid.
CONTACT US
Contact us for more info or call 925-232-4766 to discuss your deck needs and request a meeting for a custom quote.
