MidWest Deck staining advice needed please. - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

StoneRenew · 06-02-2009, 06:02 PM

Hey guys. I own a home with a large deck out back that surrounds 21 foot pool. I used Behr red wood Stain last spring. Stuff is Junk IMO. I know that the Midwest is tough on decks with the rain snow and ice factor. But in less than one year it looks like crap already. So this year I bought a new power washer. Its doing the job but its very Tedious. I bought some Stain remover at Home Cheapo but this stuff is 20 bucks a gallon and only does 50-150 square feet according to the specs. The wood is looking pretty darn good after its been stripped but it still takes forever to strip it off with a power washer with a 25 degree tip. I have quite a bit of experience with a power washer so I know its not me. I want to know if there is a good Cost effective paint or stain stripper I can use that will do most of the work for me. Also what is the BEST product brand name I should use on my deck this year? I'm looking for a transparent or clear sealer and stain, but I really want it to last and look good for atleast two years or more. I also bought some Clorox Outside use. Its for decks to kill mold and clean and prep the wood before I stain. Any and all suggestions are welcome. I'm a rookie when it comes to staining.

StoneRenew · 06-02-2009, 06:25 PM

I'm using Behr (I know but its all they sell at Home Cheapo) Premium Stain and Finish stripper. I'm applying it with a sprayer and agitating it with a deck brush. I'm making sure that I let it dwell for 20-30 minutes without letting it dry. Then I am power washing it off. If thats the best stuff out there then thats fine I'll spend the money but I just wanted to know if that is my only and best option. Thanks

4thGeneration · 06-02-2009, 06:57 PM

Down Streamer Friendly Stripping Agent

Behr is a real work of art

, but they have a huge marketing machine behind it. They have people mind washed in my opinion to only think they have the best products.

Check out that store for other good products. ACR has some good products, but his site is in rebuild mode as of now. Look for the grand re-opening soon.

StoneRenew · 06-02-2009, 10:34 PM

sorry not convinced....any other suggestions?

Mr. Mike · 06-02-2009, 11:14 PM

Same area possibly as you, the Ohio Valley.

No stain out there will look good for 2 years.... Promise you that!

I buy my strippers at SW, BM, PPG

4thGeneration · 06-03-2009, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StoneRenew

sorry not convinced....any other suggestions?

Not meant to convince you. Just my take since I do this everyday and your into to marble. Whole different game than what I do, but stick with the Behr brother if you like.

Kuba · 06-03-2009, 12:39 PM

what, you dont like deckscapes line 4thgen?

StoneRenew · 06-03-2009, 01:39 PM

So what is my best choice for staining to keep it looking decent each spring? Meaning what kind of sealer or stain?

4thGeneration · 06-03-2009, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuba

what, you dont like deckscapes line 4thgen?

Only one that is decent is the solid stains and thats not the same main line I use. If you want the truth from the horses mind. The store manager at Sw, Where I buy my Armstrong Clark stain at, says that Sw has tried to mimic the AC stain and can't. He even said that the AC was superior to the Deckscapes. This is coming from a district manager actually also.

This also goes with many opinions of contractors who have been using it for years.

So It has been Double thumbs up from me ever since I popped the AC cans.

Kuba · 06-05-2009, 04:44 PM

Make it stop raining 4thGen!!!! aaahh =) im stuck at home with my wife! lol

StoneRenew · 06-08-2009, 09:06 AM

someone told me to stain it and then put two coats of polyurethane over it. The Polyurethane will keep the elements from pulling off the stain and will also protect it from scratching it. Any comments on this?

neolitic · 06-08-2009, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StoneRenew

someone told me to stain it and then put two coats of polyurethane over it. The Polyurethane will keep the elements from pulling off the stain and will also protect it from scratching it. Any comments on this?

Don't listen to that person.
That would be a disaster.
Varnish on one side?
You are sounding more
and more like you're getting
advice from DIYers, or...
the Despot "experts?"

Blaster · 06-15-2009, 05:46 PM

Sikkens SRD stainis lasting two/three years here in Montana on decks. Best thing I have come across so far for my area.

BryanG · 06-17-2009, 06:46 AM

I agree, the best product on the market for staining is a product called SIKKENS. I have used it in New York and also in North Carolina. Give the product a try and I believe you won't ever use another product!!!