Hello World! Welcome Friends! Wooden decks are often exposed to many elements that make their colors unappealing. Most are scraped, scratched, walked over, and exposed to the elements of nature that they develop a crumbling appearance over time. Know more about wooden decks in this link here.
Most of the decks need sealing especially before the rainy season. The seal needs to dry and cover the planks to make them water-resistant. The seals can also extend the planks’ life and make them durable in any weather. Here are some tips on how you can seal your deck.
Steps to Seal Wooden Planks
- Spray water on the planks to see how well they resist moisture. If you notice that water drops are formed on the surface, then sealing might not be a need for now. But if you notice that the wooden planks trap the water underneath, you will need to apply adhesive to them to prevent water from passing in between.
- Choose a formula that is suitable for the kind of wood that you have. There are water-based formulas that can provide a semi-transparent stain for oaks or rosewood. There is a water sealant for a wooden deck that has color which can penetrate deeply in the wood which will protect the deck from UV rays, mildew, rain, and other elements. You can get these kinds if you go to the right websites.
- Clean the surface with water. Spray the entire area with water and scrub the deck. You have to remove leaves, mold, and other things that were collected on the surface over time. If your deck is not clean, when you apply the sealant, it won’t stick effectively to your wood. After scrubbing, rinse the entire area to clear it from debris.
- Completely dry the wood planks. Leave them for a day after cleaning. Make sure that you start sealing them as soon as they are dry as mold will develop if you wait too long.
- Use paint rollers or mops to apply the sealer. Follow the specific instructions of the manufacturers to ensure that you are getting the most out of them. Start from the corner of the area and use even strokes. Make sure that you won’t step on the deck while you are applying to prevent uneven surfaces.
- Do not repeat the process until you coat the entire deck in a single session. You have to coat it evenly. When a different side is darker and has an uneven color, you might want to remove the excess and make sure that the entire area is uniformly covered. Let the area dry completely after you are done. This can take a day or two depending on the product that you have used.
Other Things to Remember
When you apply the stain or the sealer, always follow the directions from the manufacturers. The drying times vary and it can depend on the temperature of air and the humidity in your area.
Check the planks and the boards if some need repairs. There’s no point in sealing a deck that was already weakened and warped. If there are popped up nails, cracking, cupping, graying, or splintering, make sure to address them first.
Do not apply the products when there’s direct sunlight. The seal will dry up too quickly and the wood won’t be able to absorb it. After you are finished with the job, check your planks from time to time. Use water to test if they are still absorbing it after several months. If they repel them effectively, then this means that you have done a great job.
Remove debris of leaves, stones, molds, and other things on your deck. Sweep it regularly. If you have brand new planks made up of treated lumber, you should wait for at least a month before coating it. The wood will dry in a month and there will be better stain absorption.
If there are damaged boards and you have already finished the process you need to use semi-transparent stain to create an even-colored surface. Choose opaque sealants with the same shade as the rest of the planks. There are also restoration or resurface products that you can use as an alternative.
Good Maintenance is Key
To keep your deck beautiful and free from splinters, you need to maintain it regularly. The natural beauty of the wood will show through if you always take proper good care of it. If you don’t have any experience with maintaining your deck, you can always hire professionals to do the job for you. They know the right products to use, how to properly apply them, and they know how to fix loose boards. You can contact them today or do the DIY route whichever will work best for you.
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