Flikka

I'm going to solid stain part of a cedar porch I have at home. The cedar has never been treated and has blackened quite a bit. Any suggested prep first?

Thanks
mary

welovepainting

use a deck brightner / cleaner and a power washer. I would suggest an oil solid body as latex likes to peel.

Flikka

Should I use an oil based stain even up here in the great white north? I thought that latex was better as it shrunk and expanded better with our changing seasons where oil was more apt to crack and then start to peel.

Thanks
Mary

welovepainting

An oil solid stain has more penetration than a latex solid stain in my opinion others might now better as im not a deck coating expert. In my opinion oil solid stains becomes a part of the wood as latex lies on top has has a greater chance to peel. As a professional painting contractor that warranty's our work for three years we refuse to use latex solid stains on decks or fences because they peel. We do use solid body latex stains for smooth and rough cut cedar siding couple thousand gallans a year its a great product just not for decks or fences.

If your looking for a solid body latex for a deck/porch and like the solid paint look use a product from Sherwin Williams called Armour Seal Tred Plex


Like I said this isnt my expertise but its what I beleive what would work best.

DavidNTX

You might also try some woog bleach to lighten the cedar if other methods don't work.