Hi, everyone. I have a question about uneven deck stain. We recently stained our deck ourselves with Cabot Clear solution semi-transparent in Cedar 3002. I love the color, but it was a very drippy, sloppy process (I did not enjoy it) and, not being professional, we kind of messed up. Right under the rails, where there was a ton of drippage, there is a lot more stain, i.e. looks like a thicker layer of stain around the perimeter of the deck. In certain light it really looks awful. Will this fade with time or should I do something to sand or remove some of the stain in these areas? I would hate to have to put on another coat (or more) over the whole deck to even it out. I hope this isn’t any kind of permanent mistake.
Thanks for your input.
Replies
Unfortunately, the only solution is to tear down the deck and completely rebuild it.
:)
Yes, it's a semi-permanent problem. It's like when you get drips and runs in a paint job ... the thick places stay until they are sanded smooth. For your stain, they will always be darker than the surrounding area. If it's fresh stain, wou might have a little luck scrubbing with paint thinner. Might be easier to sand it.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Thank you for your excellent analysis and advice. What kind of sanding (grade of paper?) do you recommend? We would be hand-sanding.
10D10D
I would start with 100 or 120. If it scratches too much, go to 150-180. If it takes too long, try 80 or 60.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
What do you think about this other comment?
I'm wondering whether to try the sanding at this point or not. We finished staining 4 days ago.
10D 10D
He's right, tryting to fix it will be a chore. That's why my first suggesstion was to tear it down. Yeah that was sarcastic, but only a little.
Wiping, actually scrubbing, with paint thinner will lighten the problem, and the surrounding area. But then you can go back and carefully re-stain the light areas. Sanding might work, might not. If it's only 4 days old, you have a chance, but you need to get on it right away.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Okay, thanks!
I love my deck so it's not coming down!
10D10D
I think you're going to have to live with it.
I've stained a few decks and I've been careful to avoid drips for the very reason that you found out. When I do have the occasional drip, I wipe it up (or spread it out) as soon as possible to prevent "double staining" I do miss some and I haven't found a way to "fix" it later.
Sanding it down is not likely to work because the stain is embedded in the wood. Paint thinner will just reduce the color saturation everywhere and even that would only work if you only just finished staining (like yesterday).
Staining decks is one of those jobs that people are a little surprised at how much I charge. You can see how tedious and sloppy it can be. It's certainly not one of my favorite paychecks.
-Don
Okay, I am relieved to know that others have had this problem.
You know, we did spread the drips out - which is why the "double staining" effect is about a foot deep around the perimeter. If sanding is ineffective, in your experience, over time, will the double staining become less obvious?
10D10D
In five years you'll just be thankful if there is any stain left. Don't worry about it.
put on another coat.
Stir it first! and often during application..
deck stains are notorious for settling pigments.
mix all containers together to minimize visible laps where you stop to open another can.
use an artificial lambs wool applicator and keep moving.
if you want to do the rail again put a drop under it so you arent doing the deck too.
Mr. T. MOTOL
"I think natural selection must have greatly rewarded the ability to reassure oneself in a crisis with complete bull$hit."
I'm Swiss!
use an artificial lambs
Inflatable barnyard animals ... what will they think of next! Does Gunner know about this?
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
yes, he is the regional franchise!
Mr. T. MOTOL
"I think natural selection must have greatly rewarded the ability to reassure oneself in a crisis with complete bull$hit."
I'm Swiss!
I am with Dan, don't sweat it. It's obvious to you because you are obsessed with your new deck.
Because it's a semi-transparent stain it does have kind of a surface film, so sanding will help but don't expect to get a match to the rest. Semi-transparent stain on a horizontal surface doesn't take too long to fade. If I were you I would open a can of beer and enjoy the rest of the summer.
Thanks, folks, for al of your advice and suggestions.
I'm leaving it alone and opening that beer now . . . 10D