Here's How: Exterior Staining Made Easy

By: BeautiTone

Want a long-lasting, beautiful finish? The secret lies in two things: quality stain and proper prep work. Skip the prep, and you might find yourself redoing your project next year. In fact, 90% of stain failures happen due to poor preparation—but you can avoid that by following these simple steps to get it right the first time.

New Wood

New wood often has a shiny coating called mill glaze, which can prevent stain from absorbing properly. To resolve this, lightly sand the surface with 80-grit sandpaper or apply Wood-Shield Wood Restorer. If you want to preserve the colour and lustre of your new deck, we recommend using Wood-Shield Stain or the Wood-Shield Advance Protector.

Check for Moisture

If the wood is too wet, it won’t absorb stain effectively. The moisture content should be between 15% and 25%, depending on the product. Use a moisture meter and refer to your Wood-Shield stain label to determine the acceptable moisture level Benchmark Moister Meter.

Deal with Peeling Stain

If more than 25% of your old stain is peeling, it's best to remove it completely and start fresh. Try Wood-Shield Safe Strip to make removal easier. If you have mildew, it can cause your stain to peel, even if you can’t see it. For best practice always clean the surface with Wood-Shield Mildew Off.

Remove Greyed (Dead) Wood Fibres

Greyed wood fibres sit on top of the wood but aren't bonded to it. If you stain over them, moisture will lift these fibres—and your new stain with them. Remove them using Wood-Shield Wood Prep, Wood-Shield Wood Restorer.

Don’t Skip Sanding

Sanding is an essential step when preparing wood for staining, as it helps open up the wood’s pores, allowing the stain to penetrate more effectively and evenly. By using 80-grit sandpaper, you create a smooth, textured surface that enhances stain absorption, leading to a more vibrant and long-lasting finish. Taking the time to properly sand the wood will ultimately make a significant difference in the quality and appearance of your project.

Choosing the Right Stain

Wood-Shield stains come in two opacities, both designed to withstand Canada's tough weather. The Semi-Transparent Stain penetrates the wood while allowing the natural grain to show through and is available in 36 colours. The Solid Stain also penetrates the wood but highlights the texture and comes in thousands of colours. Made in Canada and sold exclusively at Home Hardware, BeautiTone stains are crafted to endure the harshest climates, whether you're refreshing a deck or updating a fence. With the right prep, your project will achieve a long-lasting, beautiful finish.