Wood stain transparency and application


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Old 11-05-19, 07:26 AM
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Wood stain transparency and application

We are considering the stain to use for a wood deck, and we pinned down a color, but unsure whether we should go with solid, semi transparent or transparent. I asked my wife to stop at a Home Depot to get a sample of each to try. I meant those small pint size ones.

She bought a full gallon of each.

After trying it we decided on the semi transparent one. I figured we need about 4 gallons with two coats. Do we buy what we need and throw away the two gallons of solid & transparent?

Can I mix the solid and transparent stain to create two gallons of semi-transparent to use? My hunch is no but I figured I will ask anyways.

I was planning on putting up the deck then stain them at the end. However, there is a gap between the 5-1/2X1-1/4 PT deck boards about the diameter of a pencil, and I figured it will be difficult to get to afterwards. Should I pre-stain each board's edges before installation? What about the bottom side would it help with termites and rot in any way?

Problem with pre-staining is time. Once I get the lumber delivered if I don't use them immediately they will warp and bow being PT. If I take time to stain each piece it will be a few days extra before installation. But then again I am not sure I can stain them immediately if it comes super wet.
 
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Old 11-05-19, 07:35 AM
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You shouldn't stain brand new pt wood. It is too wet.
 
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Old 11-05-19, 08:53 AM
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I agree, the wood needs to be dry from the PT process before you can apply a lasting stain job.

IF all the bases are the same [all oil or all latex] you can intermix the different stains. Just make sure you have enough as it's not an exact science - the translucent and solid that is mixed together won't be exact to the semi-transparent.
 
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Old 11-05-19, 09:06 AM
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And dont use anything from HD once you do stain, get something that will last, Sikens is highly recommended!

And I would highly encourage you to consider composite and make your life simple and care free without all the future maintenance and staining you get with PT decks!
 
 

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