Exterior Guide

How to Stain a Deck

Staining your deck protects exterior wood and refreshes the look of your outdoor space. The right product, proper prep, dry weather, and careful application all make a major difference in the final result.

Woodluxe® Exterior Stains are designed to seal and protect wood, with different opacities and colours available depending on the look and protection level you want.

Before You Start

Deck staining success starts with preparation. New pressure-treated wood, weathered gray wood, and peeling previously stained wood all need different prep steps before stain is applied.

After prep and cleaning, allow the deck to dry for at least 48 hours. Then check the weather. A dry forecast for at least 36 hours is best before staining.

Recommended Deck Stain Products

Woodluxe® Exterior Stains are available in multiple opacities and colours, so you can choose anything from a more natural wood look to a richer solid-colour finish.

Woodluxe® Exterior Stains

Exterior wood stains designed to seal, protect, and refresh decks, fences, siding, and other exterior wood surfaces.

Woodluxe® All-in-One Wood Cleaner

Useful for cleaning new wood that is ready to accept stain after a quick preparation step.

Woodluxe® Wood Brightener & Neutralizer

Helps break mill glaze, brighten wood, and neutralize the surface after cleaning or restoring.

Woodluxe® Wood Restorer

A go-to prep product for weathered, grayed-out wood before staining.

Woodluxe® Wood Stain Remover

Helps remove remaining old stain from previously stained decks that are peeling or flaking.

1

Prep for Deck Staining

Preparation depends on the condition of your deck. Before staining, the wood must be clean, dry, and ready to absorb stain.

  • Clear furniture, planters, grills, and décor from the deck.
  • Sweep away loose dirt, leaves, and debris.
  • Inspect boards, railings, stairs, fasteners, and damaged areas before staining.
  • Choose the prep method based on whether the wood is new, weathered, or previously stained and peeling.
2

Prep New or Pressure-Treated Wood

New pressure-treated wood is often too wet to stain right away. Some new wood also has mill glaze, a glossy surface that can prevent stain from absorbing properly.

  • Sprinkle water on the wood to test readiness.
  • If water beads on the surface, the wood is not ready to accept stain.
  • If the wood absorbs water quickly, it may be ready after cleaning.
  • Clean ready wood with Woodluxe® All-in-One Wood Cleaner.
  • To break mill glaze, apply Woodluxe® Wood Brightener & Neutralizer and scrub thoroughly.
  • Rinse with a hose or power washer.
  • Let the wood dry for at least 48 hours.
  • Sand with 80-grit sandpaper before staining.
3

Prep Weathered Wood

Weathered wood often looks gray and may have loose, dead fibres on the surface. These need to be removed before staining.

  • Use Woodluxe® Wood Restorer with a stiff brush.
  • Scrub the surface to clean the wood and remove loose fibres.
  • Rinse the deck thoroughly.
  • Treat the wood with Woodluxe® Wood Brightener & Neutralizer.
  • Rinse again with a hose or power washer.
  • Let the wood dry for at least 48 hours.
  • Sand with 80-grit sandpaper before applying stain.
4

Prep Peeling or Flaking Stain

If the deck was previously stained and the coating is peeling or flaking, remove as much loose stain as possible before applying new stain.

  • Use power washing, wire brushing, or sanding to remove loose, peeling stain.
  • Use Woodluxe® Wood Stain Remover for remaining old stain.
  • Rinse the deck thoroughly.
  • Treat the wood with Woodluxe® Wood Brightener & Neutralizer.
  • Allow the wood to dry properly.
  • Sand with 80-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface for staining.
5

Test Your Deck Stain Colour

Stain colour can look different depending on wood type, age, porosity, previous coatings, and opacity.

  • Test stain colours before buying full cans.
  • Try samples in an inconspicuous area or on a spare piece of matching lumber.
  • Compare different Woodluxe® opacities before deciding.
  • Ask Colour Land for help choosing colour, opacity, and quantity.

Tip: Colour results vary depending on wood type and stain opacity, so sampling is worth the extra step.

6

Stain the Deck

Deck stain can be applied by brush, roller, or stain pad, but brushing is the tried-and-true method.

  • Apply stain in the direction of the wood grain.
  • Work a few full boards at a time to help avoid lap marks.
  • If using a roller or stain pad, follow with a brush to work stain into the wood.
  • Avoid staining in direct sunlight when possible.
  • Plan to stain when the deck is shaded so the stain does not dry too quickly.
  • Watch for lap marks, puddles, heavy buildup, or uneven areas as you work.
7

Let the Deck Stain Dry

Once the deck is stained, give it enough time to dry before returning it to use.

  • Allow the newly stained deck to dry for about 48 hours.
  • Wait at least two days before opening the deck to foot traffic.
  • Keep furniture, planters, and rugs off the deck until it has dried properly.
  • Check the product label or technical data sheet for exact dry times and use instructions.

How Many Coats of Deck Stain?

The number of coats depends on the Woodluxe® opacity you choose.

  • Woodluxe® Translucent stains generally need one coat.
  • Woodluxe® Semi-Transparent stains generally need one coat.
  • Woodluxe® Semi-Solid stains generally need one coat.
  • Woodluxe® Solid stains may need one or two coats for complete, even coverage.

Always check the stain’s Technical Data Sheet for the correct application instructions.

Quick Deck Staining Checklist

  • Identify whether the deck is new, weathered, or previously stained.
  • Clean, restore, brighten, or remove old stain as needed.
  • Rinse thoroughly after prep products.
  • Let wood dry for at least 48 hours before staining.
  • Sand with 80-grit sandpaper.
  • Check for at least 36 hours of dry weather.
  • Test stain colour and opacity before committing.
  • Stain in the direction of the wood grain.
  • Work a few full boards at a time.
  • Back-brush if using a roller or stain pad.
  • Avoid direct sunlight when possible.
  • Let the stained deck dry about 48 hours before foot traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to brush or roll stain onto a deck?

Brushing is the tried-and-true method. You can use a roller or stain pad, but it is best to follow with a brush to work the stain into the wood. This is called back-brushing.

Should you sand a deck before staining?

Yes. After cleaning and drying, sand the wood with 80-grit sandpaper as part of the deck preparation process.

How do you prepare a deck before staining?

Prep depends on the condition of the wood. New wood may need mill glaze removed. Weathered wood may need restoring and brightening. Peeling stain should be removed before restaining.

Do I need to remove old stain before restaining?

If old stain is peeling or flaking, remove as much as possible before applying new stain. Use Woodluxe® Wood Stain Remover where needed, then brighten, dry, and sand before staining.

How long should a stained deck dry?

A newly stained deck generally needs about 48 hours to dry. Wait at least two days before allowing regular foot traffic.

Need Help Choosing Deck Stain?

Visit Colour Land and we can help you choose the right Woodluxe® stain, colour, opacity, prep products, brush, roller, and sanding supplies for your deck.