Staining your wood deck and fence does a lot more than just make them look nice…staining also offers protection against the elements.

Learning how to stain wood can be a challenge, but we’re here to teach you the ins and outs of how to stain wood to help it withstand the elements for years to come. Read on for a few tips on how to stain wood properly.

1. Sand the wood surface. If the wood surface to be stained has an uneven wood grain or a lot of imperfections, you might choose to sand before staining to allow more of the stain colour to seep in. Another option is to apply a pre-stain wood conditioner, which provides a coating that gives the stain an even look. Skip this step if you want the stain to simply add a light amount of colour to enhance the wood’s natural beauty - flaws and all.
   
   
2. Remove dirt and grime. Clean your wood surface thoroughly before staining to make sure it’s completely clear of dirt, grime, and mildew. Your best bet is to pick up a power washer to quickly remove any foreign objects that are clinging to the wood’s surface. Allow the wood to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
   
   
3. Load up on supplies. Stop by Colours of Maple to pick up everything you need for your wood staining project, from cans of the stain itself to all necessary tools you need to get the job done right. Not sure which stain colours will work best for your staining project? No worries – we’ll help you pick one from our extensive selection, or we can match the colour on any item you bring us.
   
   
4. Apply your stain colour. Now that the prep work is done, it’s time to throw on some rubber gloves and get started. After stirring the stain, use a sponge, brush, rag, or clean cloth to generously apply the stain colour to the wood surface. Apply the stain colour in continuous movements, going with the grain for best results.
   
   
5. Wait it out. Let the stain absorb for 5-15 minutes*, depending on how dark you want the final stain colour to be. You can easily test how quickly the wood absorbs the stain colour by applying the stain colour and immediately wiping it off. Until you decide on the right shade, err on the side of caution and wipe the stain off earlier rather than later. It’s much easier to add more stain colour to darken the wood than to try and remove the stain later.
   
   
6. Top off with a polyurethane finish. Polyurethane can be used as a topcoat to protect the fruits of your labour from normal wear and tear. Polyurethane is available in satin, semi-gloss, and clear gloss finishes. To apply: Pass over the surface 1-2 times with the polyurethane spray can or brush. Be careful not to apply too much or you could end up with unsightly runs or bubbles on the wood’s surface.
   
   

• If the process seems like something you’d rather not take on, your other option is to hire a painter with the knowledge and experience of how to stain wood. We would be happy to connect you with one of our trusted partners at a price that fits your budget.