Deck Finishing and Sealing
Deck coating and sealing
Coating a deck is an optional process if wanting to apply a tint so as to alter the look of the wood used for building a deck. Sealing decks is necessary if a wooden material was used, for this will keep water and other elements from intruding, extending its lifespan and improving upon its overall appearance. There’re a few options for your coating, namely that of transparent stains, semi-transparent stains and water-repellants.
The way you need to approach coating and sealing your deck will be dependent on the type of wood you are using, i.e. tropical, native or pressure-treated wood; as each of these will respond in a different way to each coating you apply. Deck coatings usually come with a stain and sealant included, although sealants can be acquired without having to apply a stain.
Begin with a dry, clean deck, and use a roller to layer a coating of your choice to the deck as instructed, keeping the edge wet at all times, and doing it quickly. Grant the deck at least 24 hours to cure and dry before treading on it, placing furniture or starting with the second coating. Even though sprayers can be used to apply a coat, it is preferable that a roller is used for a more thorough and complete cover.
Water-repellants and transparent stains
Water-repellant and transparent stain coatings have no tincture that will change the dye of the wood, but instead have the ability to protect the wood from water damage. These usually contain mildewcides and fungicides to aid in preventing their growth. Many, but not all, have ingredients to either absorb or repel UV rays for protection against fading from sunlight.
Semi-transparent stains
Semi-transparent stains are coatings with poor amounts of dye to be able to alter the appearance of the wood, while bringing to the table durability and strength. Only few stains, usually those of quality, will come with mildewcides and water-repellants for protection against fungi and water; more so, the dyes will include UV filters to shield against sun ray damage.
Coating and sealing of native wood
Native wood, like cedar for example, needs to be coated and sealed by using a penetrating coat, like the ones specified above, since these coatings will not dim the wood. Coatings that are non-penetrating create a blur to form on the deck’s surface and can make provoke them to peel or crack, which in turn will make the deck more difficult to maintain and re-coat.
Coating and sealing of tropical wood
Provided that your deck is of tropical wood, e.g. ipe, neglecting to coat it will make the deck turn grey in color, which is not a bother to many people; still, leaving it uncoated will compromise its protection. The same procedure of sealing is used like on any other wood deck, but take notice that it will not be as welcoming of the coating. If you do choose to apply coating on tropical wood, you will have to apply it more frequently than the other types of wood; that is if you wish to maintain its appearance.
Coating and sealing of pressure-treated wood
If the wood of your deck is made of yellow pine, you might want to choose a coating based on its exposure to sunlight. A deck with a lighter colored stain will behave better in sunlight, while having a darker stain will cause the wood to heat up faster. If the deck does not have much exposure to sunlight, sticking to a water stain would be more favorable to an oil stain.
Take heed when following the directions on the coating label, and look for a coating that comes with UV protection if you wish to maintain the state of your deck and avoid having it turn grey. There are certain woods, namely redwood and cedar, that can be sealed and coated right away, while others, like pressure-treated ones, that need to bide their time in order to adjust before being coated and sealed.