Project Spotlight! Deck Refinishing in Oakland, CA
Thanks to our warm sunshine and dry conditions, summer and fall are awesome seasons for exterior painting in the Bay Area. This same window of opportunity is ideal for staining too. In fact, we like to remind our local clients just how important it is to keep your naturally finished wood surfaces protected. Your stain should be refreshed every couple of years, especially if it’s exposed to direct sunlight where UV damage can quickly take its toll.
As a case in point, let’s take a closer look at this deck in Oakland. We were invited to help restore the surface, ensuring that the wood is fully protected.
Pro Tip!
Looking for a quick way to tell if it’s time to stain your deck? Try the water test! Dribble water on a deck board, and watch the droplets. If they bead up and stay on the surface, your stain and/or sealer is still doing its job. If the water soaks in, you’re ready for stain. This is a pretty simplistic test, and shouldn’t be a substitute for talking with a painting contractor, but it can still offer insight.
How to stain a deck in Oakland
Here’s a closer look at our team at work. Much like a painting project, our staining process involves careful job site preparation (protecting surrounding surfaces), surface repair and preparation, then methodical staining. It’s absolutely essential that you work in thin, even coats for smooth coverage, working the product into the surface as you go.
How does stain protect your deck?
Here are a few of the key benefits, and this is really true for all your wood surfaces:
Protects against moisture intrusion
Protects against UV damage and fading
Protects again decay, like fungal wood rot
Protects against pests and infestations
And, of course, fresh stain keeps your wood looking its absolute best. For a more natural finish, try a product with less opacity, meaning that it's clearer. Greater opacity, or more solid-finish stains, cover the natural character of the wood but provide a more durable layer of protection. Which is best for you really depends on the nature and condition of the wood you’re coating, how much wear it receives, and the level of care and maintenance you’re willing to invest. A workhorse deck, for example, might be a good candidate for a more solid finish, while a gorgeous front door with ornate graining might call for a more transparent product.
Have questions about your Bay Area painting or staining project?
Contact us at MB Jessee Painting! It would be our pleasure to serve you and your property, answering your questions along the way.
