Question:

The outdoor entertaining season is almost here. What do I need to do for a deck spring spruce up?

Answer:

Spring is here and you can finally tell that the warm weather is on its way. Now that you and your family are dreaming about enjoying your backyard retreat, your deck needs to get up to snuff. Take a good look at your deck’s surface and check the finish for any splintering, blistering or cracking. If you see that the finish is showing wear and tear it’s time to strip the existing finish and start from scratch. Many people do not properly clean or remove old finishes from wood surfaces and, as a result, a new stain will not penetrate the wood.

Who wants a finish that appears blotchy or peels and cracks in just a few short months? Proper wood preparation is the most important step and, unfortunately, the most overlooked. Check out The Flood Company’s CWF-UltraLast™ Premium Wood Stripper, (available exclusively at The Home Depot) it’s a great product that is ideal for the complete removal of an old exterior finish, such as acrylic, oil, semi-transparent and solid stains.

Remember to assess the current condition of the wood once you’ve removed the finish; if the wood is in good condition you have the choice to apply either a “clear” finish or a semi-transparent stain that lends a hint of color while highlighting the wood’s grain. If the wood shows signs of aging, such as cupping or cracking, give your deck the full-coverage treatment with a solid color stain. A solid color stain will actually cover up the imperfections in the wood surface and you can select from quite an array of colors that can complement your home’s exterior, outdoor patio furniture or landscaping.

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