6 Wood Finishing Myths You Should Stop Believing

Time and material cost spent in a woodworking project have the ability to turn the final finishing stage into a stressed situation. There are range of ideas you can click when concerned about finishing. Take a look at the usual wood finishing myths along with the actual concepts. Do read it, as you may come across some really useful details about wood finishing products.

1. Myth:Finishing on both sides of wood prevents or decreases warping.
   Fact: Finishing only slows but doesn’t reduce or prevent warping that results from wood shrinking. This is because moisture vapor goes through the finish and leads to warping up to an extent. Warping that’s caused by compression shrinkage on areas open to wetting & drying are not hindered.

2. Myth: For better results, sand to #440 or finer grit.
   Fact: Wood sanded to #440-grit has high gloss as compared to wood sanded to #180-grit, as #440-grit polishes more than #180-grit. However, no major difference is seen after application of any film finish. How about trying it and seeing how many hours you save.

3. Myth:Slow brushing leads to best results.
   Fact: Slow performance isn’t appreciated anywhere. Hence, brushing needs to be done rapidly. Make sure maintaining the control.

4. Myth:Brush should be applied across the grain first and then with the grain.
   Fact: You can opt for slow-curing finishes, like varnishes. Though you may get a coat that’s little more even in thickness but it won’t be visible.

5. Myth:The longer deck stain colors are left on the wood, the deeper they soak in the wood and the darker the wood turns.
   Fact: Yes, wood turns darker when stain is left for longer but the reason is different. Actually, some of the thinner in the stain evaporates, which increases the ratio of colorant to liquid. With high concentrations of colorant, darker colors are produced.

6. Myth:Apply and wipe off stain with the grain.
   Fact: When excess stain is wiped off, direction of stain application doesn’t matter. Also, it doesn’t matter in which direction stain is wiped off. What matters is making final pass with the grain, to ensure that streaks left are not noticeable.

Stop following anything you just hear from someone. Trust the proven results that have been explained to you quite clearly. Good luck!

 

The Role Of Temperature In Staining Outdoor Wood With Perfection

Nobody could ever deny the importance of staining his outdoor wood assets. From decks and patios to benches and railings everything should be treated with superior quality of wood finishing products. It is essential not only for defending them from decay but also they appear as beautiful as new after this.

When homeowners are keen to add to the curb appeal of their property they can select the best from variety of deck stain colors and apply them on the lumber. For staining you can hire professionals or you may keep the job with you if you have got the right tools, enough patience and time and most importantly knowledge of temperature.

Did you read it right? Was it knowledge of temperature? Yes it is all about temperature at the time when you took up the task of staining your external wood. For beginners it can be perfect to plan it on a weekend. After you get up late in the morning, naturally because it is a holiday, you spend some leisure time with your spouse and kids in preparing luxury breakfast. Post breakfast it may again take half an hour to one hour in collecting the things that will assist you in cleaning and staining your deck. Stop if it is already 1 or 2 in the clock. Many of you may ask why?

Well it is important to look for an ideal temperature so as to get the best staining results. For many homeowners it may come as a surprise that they should make use of deck sealer and stain after looking the weather forecast.

Noteworthy Points That Relate Temperature and Staining

1. High temperature may not be conducive for staining schedule as stain may dry too quickly. This will not allow penetration of stain deep into wood and therefore it is important to choose a day when temperature is either less than 90 degrees Fahrenheit or stain early in the morning.
2. A cloudy day is much better choice than a sunny day to stain your outdoor wood, but if rains are predictable refrain yourself from staining. Moisture and rain will not let the stain dry and it might get washed away with a pour.

 

Summer Special Tips For Staining Outdoor Wood

For deck owners summertime is deck time. Modern American homeowners understand the significance of their decks and patios. They are not mere extensions of your living space but they are perfect spots for all family gatherings and BBQs. This is possibly why they buy best of stain colors to beautify the wood decks and keep them in best state.

External wood especially that forms your deck is exposed to lot much of physical abuse. It is undoubtedly the highest traffic area of your house and is not spared from the Sun, wind, snow and much more on any given day.

What Comes Before Beautification of Deck?

Summer season is not difficult for human but for your wood too. While your expectations from your lumber patio and decks are high, they in turn need to be properly maintained and prepared for summer gatherings with the help of best quality of deck stain and sealer. You can do a lot like adding hanging pots to your deck for giving it a cool look. Some home owners prefer to shade it up with big and beautiful umbrellas while others bring some artificial fountains to give it special effects. From seating arrangements to lighting you can make it favorite spot for all because it is suitable to host friends’ reunion or family get together. But in absence of below mentioned small but very important steps it can all prove to be a failure.

Look out for dangerous signs. Your wood is subject to rotting and cupping. These when avoided can bring up the cases of injuries and tripping. Get them mended before you get into cleaning and staining your wood surface.

Ask questions to professionals. They know the best what kind of wood finishing products will suit the local climate. In many areas oil based premium wood deck finish will serve for two years or so.

Get engaged in cleaning. Don’t let the BBQ stains settle on wood surface. Clean the spills immediately as grease is not good for the finish. Make sure you don’t leave the debris over a week.

To help it look young and strong season after season you should do a lot when it comes to care and maintenance of timber deck.

Deck Staining Tips For Beginners

Have you moved into a new house that comes with a deck or patio? Or you have recently got one constructed for your family? Whichever is your reason to read this blog you certainly need tips related to wood finishing products to save your time, efforts and of course money.

Before you start with it even in your head, make sure you stick to the instructions given by manufacturer. Wood decks are beautiful but highly delicate. Their maintenance is highly important considering the physical abuse they are exposed to.

What All Deck Owners Should Know?

• Owning deck of your own means an extra space to enjoy and relax. Selection of right deck stain and sealer can rule the possibilities of having beautiful and well maintained deck.
  It is important that you pick quality stains from the myriads of options available in market. Don’t compromise with the quality of the stains and sealants you use. Use natural compounds that contain very low volatile organic compounds with deep penetration properties.

• Prepping up is most important. Your wood should be more than ready to be stained. You cannot only beautify your wood with cleaning and staining the wood deck but also add years to the life of your wood deck. How you can treat wood with sealants if it is not dried up. Allow the deck to dry for at least 48 hours. Clean the deck before staining. You must have adequate time gap between rain and staining process.
• Perform test stain. Before you apply the wood stain colors to the whole deck surface it is important that you test the stain on a wood sample. Allow it to set and dry down so that you can come to know the actual color during day light. This small but useful practice will help you decide do you need to apply a single coat or double for the desired results.

 

How Hiring Deck Staining Professionals Save Your Money?

Home owners who have decks at their homes enjoy advantage of additional living space. While in cold evenings they can enjoy a mug of coffee there, summer evenings witness cool indoor games sessions played among family and friends. Wood decks add to the aesthetic appeal of your property from the selling point of view too. However you cannot ignore the deck maintenance as the consequences can be multiple and serious. Besides purchasing eco-friendly deck stain and sealer there is a lot you can do for your wood. Don’t go anywhere and check it out right below.

How To Maintain Well Stained Deck?

A properly maintained wood deck enhances its beauty. Staining deck is the best way to extend the lifespan of the wood deck too. Of course wood finish used should be of premium quality but would you be able to complete the process of staining on your own? You can either consider it as a DIY project trying your hands on it or professional assistance can be sought.

Looking at it superficially you may think that hiring professional will be an expensive affair. On the contrary hiring a deck staining expert will help you save lot on your side. It will save enormous stress that you will go through while taking up the job. You will have to start from scratch like cleaning and buying the tools.

Since you do not have professional exposure of staining you will not be able to get the desired results even from the best of wood stain colors. Deck staining is a long procedure that needs lots of patience to perform the job with consistency. As mentioned earlier you might not have all the required tools also. Moreover the time consumed in the whole process can be better utilized by you. Deck staining professionals can stain your deck in less of time and with less of wastage of stain colors and other products.

Smart Homeowners Hire Deck Staining PRO

A well-stained deck is a necessity of every modern American home. Deck staining is since not only about buying premium wood finishing products and using them. You need to use them in the right way and moreover the deck staining project requires a lot of time and energy. These two might not be available to you in abundance is you are like most of the homeowners-working and busy.

Why to stain your deck on time?

If you are a true American, you cannot say no to enjoy the wonderful outdoors no matter it is spring or falls. Overlooking the fact that your wood deck gets exploited by Mother Nature’s agents can cause irreparable harms to your patio or deck. Even the greatest deck sealer will do no good to protect your outdoor timber after certain period of time.

Eventually with the lots of foot traffic and surviving through all the odds of changing weather your wood needs to be restored. Overlooking the fact can prove to be very expensive to you. From heavy deck repairs to renovation costs it can take the lazy and careless homeowners anywhere.

What to prefer between DIY deck staining and hiring pros?

While almost every American family enjoys to host summer evening parties in their houses, decks and patios take the center everywhere.  They like to sit back to enjoy drinks and relax in their leisure time. For this they need to be very particular about deck care and maintenance.

Question arises at this very point is whether to hire an expert for doing the job and giving away his valuable suggestions on which wood finish oil to buy or save money and do it yourself. Many would understand the possible damages of carrying out the staining activity on their own from this post and rest will learn from their own mistakes.

Having the ample patience and time for staining deck and fences is not a layman’s cup of coffee. Moreover he lacks the eye for details and hands-on experience. Neither you have the tools nor the knowledge of the right staining practices.

Those who claim to be internet educated get their eyes wide opened while looking at the practicality of the staining project.

Tips For Smooth Deck Staining Results

Whether it is scorching summer Sun or it is ponderous snowfall your wood deck faces it all. How do you wish to add years to its life when it has so many hardships to look upon? Use of deck stain and sealer can do the job for you provided you do the staining right way.

Many of you might be wondering what takes it to give the maximum results of staining. That is correct staining the wood is an art in itself and therefore many homeowners trust the professionals to treat their wood deck with deck sealer. But if you are keen to save money and do it by yourself then pack your bags for proper preparation, fine application of the wood products and upkeep of the wood floor.

Staining Leads To A Perfect Patio

Whether it is a deck or patio they both need your proper attention and the right maintenance. While staining is important for the old decks at the same time it is indispensable for the newly built deck too.

Here goes the quick list of the tips for best deck stain results:

• Pre-Plan The Staining Project– It reminds you of the examination days, you don’t get the best results if you don’t prepare and pre-plan the subjects and topics. Last night studies are as uncertain and irregular as the staining results without preparation. From time for carrying out the project to gathering the equipment and purchasing the wood deck sealer the owners should be very particular and planned. Cleaning the wood and preparing it for staining is the integral part of the preparation.
• Start Staining– Once you have chosen the day and time of staining, get a brush or roller and apply the stain generously. Avoid over application as it may cause patches on the wood surface. It is recommended to allow the stain for over 24 hours to set and dry before use. After which you can re-coat or touch up for the better and lasting results.
• Consistent Deck Care– Your deck traffic and the local climate will govern the needs to reapply stain. Also if your deck regular witnesses grilling oil stains must be its companions for the times. Regular cleaning and reapplication of stains should help your wood lot.

Time and Temperature Make the Best Time for Staining

To withstand the harsh conditions of American weather your deck needs your attention and best deck stain. It should appear good and it should be durable too because it has to deal with a lot of traffic coming in a home. The decks which are the extensions to living areas or are the part of backyards are the most used in comparison to the garden patios. Applying premium quality of wood deck stain will ensure the extended life of your wood. While many homeowners trust the professionals to take care of their deck few others have the skills and the tools in their homes to take up the deck staining project on their own. No matter you do it on your own or you hire a staining professional, you should know that time and temperature influence the results utmost.

When To Stain The Wood?

Wood used in your deck and fences has to deal with the harsh realities of the outer world. You cannot treat them anytime that is convenient for you like wood furniture kept inside your house. Deck stains used by the homeowners may not give the desired results when the preparation and the application are not proper.

The best time to stain your deck would be when the two factors- time and temperature work well with each other. It will depend on the size of the deck that how much time is required to stain the deck. On an average two days at the minimum are required to prepare and stain the deck. Preparation primarily revolves around the removal of the heavy objects and power wash the dust, dirt and debris from the wood surface.

Many homeowners don’t realize that summers are not ideal for staining the deck. You need the stains to be absorbed properly so that they stay for long. Higher temperatures and direct sunlight don’t allow the stain to dry on its own. Mild temperatures like early in the morning and later in the afternoon can be your choice in colder months when there is no direct sunlight.

Guide To Maintenance Of Wood Furniture

Wood furniture has been in your house from ages. These life settling structures give comfort and convenience at any place. In return, they demand some attention due to their weary nature. Whether your furniture is made from hardwood or softwood, they all need extra care to guarantee their stay in your home for decades to come. A well treated wooden floor or furniture must be well insulated from the environmental damage and man-made accidents. The best way to avoid moisture and insect attacks is by using wood stain colors on them. It also discourages scratches and friction caused fading.

Let’s try some easy ways to maintain newness of furniture:

1. Regular Cleaning

The accumulated dust makes the surface rough and dull. It is not only unhealthy to keep a dirty furniture at home but also spreads negative energies in the space. Dusting regular will improve the age of furniture and keep it shining longer. But remember to use cotton cloth else it would reverse the purpose.

2. Use Stains On The Surface

Many people prefer paints on their furniture which is also a protective shield but paints are not for every place. Fences, deck floors or garden structures need more than paint because they are susceptible to damage due to high temperature on sunny days, rains and insect attack. Experts suggest deck stain colors because paints tend to chip off and corrosion.

3. Remove smell from old wooden furniture

Wood fills with moisture and promotes the growth of fungus which causes it to smell if left in storage or untreated. Antigens traverse through body and destroy health. Also, pets can get seriously ill. To treat this, keep the furniture outside the house in a shaded place on a dry day and stain the surface.

Use of these simple tips could change the way your furniture remains lying without any life on floor. Showcase their beauty with proper caring.

Cool Treatment Your Deck Secretly Wishes For in Summer

Ownership of a deck gives you rewarding experiences. Maintaining its beauty is a part of your home care job. If you succeed in maintaining your deck, it can up the value of your property to the prospect home buyers. At the onset of summer, every homeowner tries to fix the issues with his deck to the best of his knowledge. But, sometimes it is not enough as it is evident with the early damages to the deck sealer you applied. Though it is best to get the deck staining project done by the professionals but if you want to do it on your own, read its step by step procedure.

Warm weather of summers makes your deck more vulnerable to weathering and damages. Start the summer preparation of your deck with cleaning the deck at the first place. After winter, there are lots of leaves, debris and dirt underneath furniture. You may also find the insects hidden throughout winters. Remember to remove dry leaves and other unwanted elements from your deck only after removing the furniture. Follow sweeping with deep cleaning for removing the embedded dirt particles in the cracks of the deck. If you do not own a pressure washer you can rent it from local shop.

Also, make full use of it by cleaning the house as well while you are at it. It is not every day when you are into the cleaning shoes, so make full use of the same. Replace or repair the boards depending on the condition of them as they can age or their damages can go beyond repair due to poor maintenance.

While you prepare your deck for summer, it is the time to revamp the stain of the deck. Renew and refresh your deck with a high quality wood deck sealer. The rails are the parts of your deck, so don’t forget to clean and stain your deck. Think about cushions, hanging flower baskets and lighting to make your deck happening.