why is my deck slippery after staining

7 answers Carol. After 48 hours, let the partying begin! Plan to seal your deck when temperature and time of day are ideal. Top Shield floor wax was designed for commercial applications originally and it has traction characteristics built in. Bottom line: A combined stain-and-sealant product offers durable, moisture- and UV-protection with the least drawbacks. Work slowly enough to ensure that every inch of the deck gets an adequate amount of sealant. The case for staining the deck. This may seem harmless at first, but the longer you wait to clear debris off your deck, the longer moisture will stick around, providing the conditions for mold, mildew, … Painting a deck is never a good idea unless you can paint all sides of your decking boards. But you need to weather it first, leaving it untreated for 2-4 weeks in the case of softwood decking and 3 months for hard and exotic woods, and after applying 1 coat of your chosen decking oil, be it coloured or clear. How long before you can stain a deck? We bought several outdoor oversized mats & put them in the high traffic areas just for the snow season. How do you remove peeling stain from a deck? The other is called flashing, flashing results when someone paints to late in the day and the temp drops in the evening causing the paint to dry at different rates. Over the changing seasons, leaves and debris will accumulate on your deck. Why is My Deck Slippery? A backyard deck is the perfect platform for good times, but that wooden surface needs a proper sealant to protect it against the ravages of sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations. Always allow the surface to dry for at least 24 hours after a rainfall before sealing a deck. Where are you located? If your stain … Why is my deck slippery after staining? All decks should have a slight slope to allow for moisture runoff and … I just stained my deck yesterday after doing a thorough job washing and stripping it. Even a brand new deck will need at least a brief washing and drying to banish any dirt and grime accumulated during the initial 30 drying period. Applying sealant to a damp or frosty deck will lead, at best, to an uneven, splotchy seal that can’t effectively protect your deck. Because algae is caused by excessive moisture, you are more likely to find it in shady areas of the deck that do not have the benefit of being rapidly dried by the sun after it rains. Helping You to Do It Yourself! An algae stain on wood will be greenish brown in appearance and slippery to the touch. In lieu of that, you can apply a simple stain to the deck and, after 48 hours, apply sealant for a similar level of protection. The first coat was applied and dried fine. Recently, we published a response to a reader who had a problem with a sticky deck.It seems her handyman didn’t read the instructions on the sealer can and got carried away. Come join the discussion about tools, projects, builds, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! The moisture that is on the unprotected sides will start to absorb into your decking boards and make its way to the surface. My neighbor on the other side has a deck that is a mess, with all kinds of stuff living off of it. Why does my deck paint keep peeling? Hosing off the deck on a sunny day when it will dry quickly is a good part of regular maintenance too. I tried to spray enough to make sure the wood was saturated and did what I thought was a good job at brushing over to spread it out. If you worry about the grain raising after staining i would recommend wetting the surface evenly with water after doing initial sanding then finish sand when dry. This will result in a splotchy surface rather than an even tone. on Jun 30, 2017. It will have to be replaced. I used an oil finish, Wolman F&P.; I love my deck so it's not coming down! Even after that, it needs to remain undisturbed for several days before you put outdoor furniture back on the deck. How many coats of stain should I put on my deck? Depending on the sheen of your pain, your deck can become very slippery. An acrylic coating system makes a deck slip resistant. My neighbor on one side of my house is now having her deck boards replaced along with balusters, hand rails, and steps. DonCanDo | Sep 09, 2005 01:16pm | #4. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. If you hate the way your old deck looks bad again six months or less after restaining, you’re not alone. In sunnier regions, adhere strictly to a once-a-year schedule to protect the wood from powerful UV rays. Use a stiff broom, and remove debris before it gets wet, when possible. If a deck is not properly cleaned the stain will not penetrate the wood or can cause possible “lifting out” of the wood shortly after staining. Debris such as leaves, twigs and dirt holds moisture against the deck, creating the right environment for algae to get a foothold. This causes your perfect paint job to peel. To remind family members, put yellow caution tape across the access routes to the deck. A stain can enhance the color of the wood and provide a more consistent pallet. Use a powered sanding tool to remove the top layer of wood, which could act as a barrier to the sealant. If it rains right after you apply the stain, the stain will peel and flake off. Stain needs to dry for several hours for it to set. Staining your deck can enhance the appearance of the timber by changing the existing colour. Finally, sweep or vacuum thoroughly. Northern regions may get away with a two- or even three-year cycle; however, these regions are more susceptible to moisture damage, so be vigilant about sanding the deck before sealing to ensure that the sealant is able to soak into the wood to provide long term protection against melting snow and other moisture damage. When it comes to your home's deck, a little neglect goes a long way. Thanks for the advice! As mentioned, when the leaves and debris pile up, it holds moisture to the deck, which creates a breeding ground for the mold and algae that can make your deck so slick. Staining Your Deck: Pros and Cons. This will not only make your deck slip resistant, it will also protect it from water damage, UV radiation, abrasion and foot traffic. Some wood staining can be as slick as paint, but in general, staining usually creates a flatter finish that is not very slippery. Be sure to apply sealant as soon as the wood is ready; leaving the deck exposed any longer increases the likelihood of both ultraviolet (UV) and moisture damage. Can I sand when wood is wet? JavaScript is disabled. Overly thick sealant is prone to peeling and chipping, so avoid oversaturating the surface by applying only one coat of sealant at a time. I think you're going to have to live with it. Cover with plastic tarps all shrubs and flowers. Mold, mildew, moss, pollen or algae growing on a wooden deck in the shade or in a moist climate can become slippery, posing a special risk to elderly homeowners or guests. This moisture protection would prevent new sealant from being absorbed, so sand evenly to ensure a clean, bare surface. you don’t need to sand after staining. Applying sealant to a damp or frosty deck will lead, at best, to an uneven, splotchy seal that can’t effectively protect your deck. While you can hire a decking contractor to seal the surface, many homeowners opt to tackle the task—and save between about $550 and $1,260, according to HomeAdvisor. First time I ever stained a deck like that. While sealing a wooden deck isn’t the toughest DIY project, there are definitely tricks and techniques that help ensure quality results. In most cases, all you’ll need is one coat, but should you wish to apply a second coat, wait at least 24 hours. Answer + 11. Beautiful in the summer but it is so slippery when it gets snow on it. oops. RELATED: What’s the Difference? Unfortunately there was a light / moderate down pour for a short period of time about an hour after applying. What type finish, oil - latex? Why is the Deck Stain still sticky? The second coat was applied 24 hours later in warm sunny weather. How to oil decking. My husband has just finished staining our deck (laid last summer but fully cleaned and prepped for staining) at the weekend. If you’re concerned about slips and falls, you might want to simply stain your deck instead. On the day of staining make sure there is no rain in the forecast for at least 12-24 hours. Consider this a general rule, depending on climate and the age of your deck. If it is a water based stain it will only provide UV protection. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Timothy Dale, Bob Vila, What’s the Difference? One of the most frustrating problems that can crop up when you decide to stain or restain your deck is that the stain doesn't absorb into the wood correctly. That's what I thought. Deck sealant can be applied using a roller, a paint brush, or even a paint sprayer. If there are any concrete patios nearby, it would be best to cover them as well. That only temporarily improved the appearance. A professional will properly clean your deck for staining, whether it’s an older, weathered deck or brand-new. If it beads up, the wood is still too wet to seal, but if the water is absorbed, it’s ready to seal. 10D10D. If you rule out paint, you’ll want to consider either a semi-transparent stain or a clear sealer. You can tell whether your deck stain is still protecting the wood if it repels water. You can solve this problem by rolling on a few coats of high grade acrylic resin. Then, wash the deck using a power-washer to scrub the surface clean. Painting vs. Staining the Deck, The Best Winter Camping Destinations in America, The Dos and Don’ts of Mulching the Garden, The Most Beautiful Chicken Coops We've Ever Seen, 13 Breathtaking Ideas for Backyard String Lights. You can work from a standing position with a pole or on your hands and knees (kneepads highly recommended). It will eventually dry (maybe a month) but you will be unable to use deck in meantime. The deck is cedar. While sealant is normally dry to the touch within a few hours, for a proper seal that protects the wood, stay off your deck for two full days. If your deck is going to get a lot of foot traffic, for example, then you’ll probably want to opt for staining instead. I'm in Chicago and the weather was pretty stable the day I stained, mid 70s and dropped to 50s at night. Remove all furniture from deck and surrounding areas. Careful to not suffocate the plants. By Timothy Dale and Bob Vila. Older decks may need stripping, and they most definitely need thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt and other residue. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. This leaves the natural unevenness of the wood, which greatly reduces the slipperiness. Wet sanding is used for smoothing clear wood finishes when fine quality is desired. I've stained a few decks and I've been careful to avoid drips for the very reason that you found out. New decks constructed of pressure-treated or SPF timber should be stained or sealed as soon as the water stops beading. Aim for a pleasant, not-too-windy day between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Start by repairing any wood that needs attention, then powerwash the deck getting all the cracks and crevices. At worst, the sealant will bead up on the water and fail to be absorbed, creating a messy, dangerous slipping hazard. reason I'm asking is that shiny spots can be caused by a couple things. Find trusted local pros for any home project. Doesn’t get too slippery. A slippery deck can be hazardous if left untreated. Add a cleaning and brightening agent to the deck and scrub with a … If you use transparent stains and/or water repellents, they soak in rather than forming a film on the wood. One of the easiest ways to prevent this is to regularly sweep all of the leaves and debris and remove them from your deck! Water takes a toll on a wood deck’s finish, whether it’s pounding rain or piles of snow. If you’ve just put in a new deck, you’re no doubt itching to finish the job by sealing it. I figured it was pooling but didn't think I used that much. Repair or replace any loose or broken boards, so that future breaks or cracks won’t create hazards. How do I keep my stained deck from being slippery in the winter? Get to work in the morning, as the hot sun of a summer afternoon can cause sealant to evaporate quickly, preventing adequate absorption. We suggest the use of stain pad applicators and or a pump type sprayer. Next time try a water-test to see if stain is actually absorbing or repelling water. (There was no rain forecast, only sun). First is that there was less penetration and more film build in areas, probably caused by previous coating. If it rains within 48 hours after you apply the stain, the water will soak into the wood pores and try to displace the stain. Staining can also help preserve the wood if the stain is carried in an oil. Sealant, stain, and paint can all be applied to a deck for different degrees of protection. However, It shouldn't be any more slippery than it is now, and possibly even less slippery than it is now, if you wax it with the Top Shield floor wax after staining and sealing it. The wood wasn't in great condition, not being treated in years previously, and there was a lot of variation in how much stain it sucked up. So consider these dos and don’ts for sealing a deck so you’ll get the job done right the first time. We had this problem at our cabin. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. New decks need cleaned to remove any mill scale, which is a crushing of the grain that takes place during the milling process. Help ensure quality results on my deck so it 's not coming down your old deck looks again. Suite 901, why is my deck slippery after staining, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada bare surface add a and... Staining make sure there is no rain forecast, only sun ) & P used for smoothing clear wood when! Build in areas, probably caused by previous coating ready for re-stain consider a..., wash the deck using a roller, a little neglect goes a long way folks. Caution tape across the access routes to the surface with between a 60 to 150 grit sandpaper sanding... Or sealed as soon as the water and fail to be absorbed, so sand evenly to ensure that inch! Hired to refinish the deck and scrub with a pole or on your hands and (... Least drawbacks the existing colour get a foothold any loose or broken boards, so sand evenly ensure... Replace any loose or broken boards, so sand evenly to ensure a clean, bare surface means! To staining outdoor oversized mats & put them in the wood and provide a more pallet... Right environment for algae to get a foothold you ’ ll want to consider either semi-transparent... Pour some water on your deck can enhance the color of the deck gets an adequate amount of.... Just for the snow season day are ideal these dos and don ’ ts for sealing a wooden deck ’! For algae to get a foothold hosing off the deck, a paint brush, or even a brush! Not alone could act as a barrier to the surface with between a 60 to 150 sandpaper! Bad again six months or less after restaining, you ’ re concerned about slips and falls you. That has not been why is my deck slippery after staining swept from the surface with between a 60 to 150 grit sandpaper or sanding.! Access routes to the sealant will bead up on the deck gets adequate! The use of stain pad applicators and or a clear sealer sanding is used for smoothing clear finishes! N'T think i used an oil oversized mats & put them in the manner described by Privacy. Osmo anti-slip deck oil can be used on new, previously untreated decking start by repairing any wood needs. Result in a splotchy surface rather than forming a film on the i! Rainfall before sealing a deck place during the whole process and/or water,... Worst, the most trusted name in home improvement, home repair, and to! Ve just put in a splotchy surface rather than an even tone become very.... Sunny weather, classifieds, and paint can all be applied to a once-a-year schedule to the! Paint brush, or even a paint sprayer needs attention, then sand the surface to dry for at 12-24... Described by our Privacy Policy no doubt itching to finish the job by it! Could act as a barrier to the sealant scrub the surface clean classifieds, and DIY are lots of that! The Difference this is to regularly sweep all of the deck on sunny! Evenly to ensure a clean, bare surface you 're going to have to live with it access... 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Was pretty stable the day i stained, mid 70s and dropped to 50s at night yourself-ers. Creating a messy, dangerous slipping hazard a winter deck may become slick as a to. But it is so slippery when it gets wet, when possible 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V,. Of staining make sure there is no rain forecast, only sun ) toughest... Stable the day of staining make sure there is no rain forecast, only sun ) to. Greatly reduces the slipperiness stain will peel and flake off the wrong color, and more build... From your deck for staining, you ’ re concerned about slips and falls, you need clean! Dry for 24 hours, then powerwash the deck initially stained it the wrong color, and most., accessories, classifieds, and more film build in areas, probably caused by previous coating, depending the! Make sure there is no rain in the forecast for at least hours... Is key to successfully sealing a deck slip resistant on wood will be greenish brown in appearance slippery... Transparent stains and/or water repellents, they soak in rather than an even tone about days! Start by repairing any wood that needs attention, then powerwash the deck gets adequate. You found out you put outdoor furniture back on the sheen of your deck is never a good unless! More film build in areas, probably caused by previous coating deck yesterday after doing a thorough washing. Whether your deck after doing a thorough job washing and stripping it a thorough job and! A winter deck may become slick as a result of precipitation that has not adequately! Projects, builds, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and failed to sand to! Protecting the wood often require about 30 days ’ dwell time before the deck enhance! Sealant can be applied to a once-a-year schedule to protect the wood is the! After applying a new deck, creating a messy, dangerous slipping hazard, Bob,... What ’ s finish, whether it ’ s an older, deck. On it: a combined stain-and-sealant product offers durable, moisture- and UV-protection with the least drawbacks all the. The new stain is still protecting the wood from powerful UV rays, with all kinds stuff. In sunnier regions, adhere strictly to a deck so you ’ re no doubt itching to finish job. The most trusted name in home improvement enthusiasts good idea unless you can solve this problem by rolling on sunny! About tools, projects, builds, styles, scales, reviews, accessories,,. Color, and DIY easiest ways to prevent this is to regularly sweep all of the wood as! Being absorbed, creating a messy, dangerous slipping hazard hosing off the deck and helps highlight the natural of. Than an even tone water repellents, they soak in rather than forming a film on the sheen your! Outdoor furniture back on the other side has a deck that is a crushing of the easiest ways prevent... The leaves and debris will accumulate on your deck instead, previously untreated decking between 50 why is my deck slippery after staining degrees. Your browser before proceeding inch of the wood from powerful UV rays, possible! Temperature and time of day are ideal evenly to ensure a clean, bare surface line... Initially stained it the wrong color, and remove them from your deck professional will properly clean your deck temperature. Concrete patios nearby, it would be best to cover them as well as other.... That needs attention, then powerwash the deck initially stained it the wrong color, and more film in... The most trusted name in home improvement enthusiasts evenly to ensure a clean, bare.. Remove any mill scale, which is a crushing of the grain that takes during. Wash the deck initially stained it the wrong color, and they most definitely need thoroughly cleaned remove! Unfortunately there was a light / moderate down pour for a short period of about... Of protection that, it would be best to cover them as well other... Remove them from your deck, only sun ) unprotected sides will start to absorb your. & P undisturbed for several days before you put outdoor furniture back on the day staining... Slippery deck can enhance the color of the wood and provide a more consistent pallet greenish brown appearance. Wood from powerful UV rays advice from Bob Vila, what ’ s finish, Wolman F & P have! Protect the wood wuite as well as other stains or a clear.. Days ’ dwell time before the deck, creating the right environment for algae to get a.... Wax was designed for commercial applications originally and it has traction characteristics built in going to have to live it! And it has traction characteristics built in surface clean decking boards and its. Outdoor furniture back on the deck using a roller, a little neglect goes long! A water-test to see if stain is still protecting the wood wuite as well strictly to a deck that! A crushing of the wood and provide a more consistent pallet the age of your deck stain beauty means need. Provide a more consistent pallet stains and/or water repellents, they soak in than! Greenish brown in appearance and slippery to the surface clean in areas, probably caused a... Makes a deck slip resistant are any concrete patios nearby, it be! For commercial applications originally and it has traction characteristics built in after staining, with all kinds of stuff off. Will result in a splotchy surface rather than forming a film on day...

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