Discussions

We have a huge South-facing deck and it's in need of staining again - my least-favourite job. It was done 2 years ago. Requires lots of prep work removing old stain. Any hints or suggestions? Did you find one brand lasts longer than another, etc?

The contractor that built our new deck advised us to stain it every two years. We only use a clear water sealant though. Don’t forget our climate is extreme. The wood needs all the help it can get.  
 
Edited by Farmergeorge, 2023-07-14 07:58:36

Most stains are water based. They aren’t made nearly like they used to be. They just peel in no time. We actually left our deck bare wood and let it age.

Oil based paints and stains are now banned in Canada. I go to the U.S. to get decent quality stains and paints.  
I know some people will take exception to me doing this but I’d rather pay a little less for decent quality stuff than pay more for what I’m “allowed” to buy at home.

I doubted the claim that oil based finishes are banned in Canada. I was unable to find any confirmation but would accept verification. Most brands use water based products now because consumers prefer them and not having to cleanup with paint thinner. Could still find lots of oil based interior paints, and exterior paints and stains for sale.

I do it think oil based is band! As I bought 2 pails of oil based on Thursday from a Brandon Paint store.

The oil based stains are not the same as the old oil stains. I just recently stained the railings on my deck with oil stain. Was easily cleaned off my hands with water or was able to rub off. For paint brushes you probably still have to use mineral spirits to clean. I think it will probably be better though than the water base stains. I also used the solid oil stain over top of an old oil stain on a screened porch. It went on well and looks great, probably about 5 years ago. I cannot speak for a decks floor surface how well it would stand up. Home Hardware in Brandon carries the oil stain. Very pricy though. Almost double the price of water based, but if it works it will be well worth it. If nothing will stick try the Thompson Water Sealer, much easier to use and apply. Good luck.

Lay Duradek over the deck and no more scraping and staining