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.

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.

Easy Guide on Wood Oil Application Technique

When it comes to choose the best wood finishing oil, it is high-quality and natural. Most of these oils can be easily used on almost every type of wood finishing projects including decks, furniture, interior surfaces, tables, cabinets, panels, wood floors and various other porous surfaces.

If you are in search of superior quality oil that gives clear finish, try going for tung oil base which has got no cheap filler oils and added driers. It is important to understand what does a good oil refers to. Well it refers to durable, deep penetrating, water resistant and durable oil that lasts for years and gives the expected results.

Once you have purchased the needed wood finish oil, it is important to know the right application technique. This is because if not applied the right way, it will not give the desired results and you may come across various problems from time to time.

How to apply oil the right way?

Well, now that’s a smart question and its answer is explained clearly in the below mentioned points. Check it out below:

1. Apply the oil liberally with a cotton cloth that’s lint free. You can also use a brush for a smooth application.
2. Now allow the oil to penetrate evenly for 15 minutes. Make sure to remove excess oil with the clean cotton cloth.
3. Never allow the oil to dry before you have removed the excess finishing oil. Generally, 3 coasts of oil are recommended at an interval of 24 hours between each coat.
4. Remember that additional coats increase the surface protection as well as sheen.
5. For best results and for a silky smooth surface, rub the surface gently between each oil application.
6. To enhance the wood, you can apply a coat of traditional paste wax or all-natural beeswax after the final coat is done. This will add depth and extra surface protection.

With these easy techniques, you can apply wood finish oil the best way. What else? The results will definitely meet your expectations.

How to maintain wood finishing oil?

That’s another important yet simple thing to do. Want to know how? Here they are in the below given points:

1. Dust with a soft and dry cloth. Slightly damping the cloth is also a good way.
2. Apply a fresh coat of oil when needed.

With these simple things in mind, you can get a standard finish that will shine for years.

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.

Cool Tips to Prepare Your Deck for Hot Summers

Deck at your house is not just extension of your living space; a good deck is indeed center of attraction of your house. Wood decks are exposed and exploited by Mother Nature throughout the year. It survives the seasons of snow, heat and rain. Summers are knocking doors and asking for you to prepare your deck to face it all. You should give your deck a thorough inspection, cleaning and apply wood finish if required. You should start it with clearing all the furniture or other items kept in the deck area. Clean the space by sweeping away the dirt, debris, leaves, twigs etc.

Inspection of Deck is More Than a Ritual

Your deck is a joint for joyful evenings with friends, a romantic candle light spot in your cottage and long playing hours for your kids. It makes your wood deck a heavy traffic area and it is subject to wear and tear. A person should inspect every joint, frame and beam supporting deck closely. The ledgers should be free from any deterioration and rust. Repairs can be outside your capabilities, so call the experts.

Clean it Properly

Washing your deck is necessary before you go for repairs or staining as per the requirement. Keeping it clean will prevent any growth of molds and mosses on your deck. Decide on the cleanser as it may vary with the composition of your deck material. Consider renting a pressure washer for easy and thorough cleaning of your deck. However you need to act careful with pressure washer to avoid any damage to wood.

Work on Its Beauty With Best Wood Finishes

Staining or sealing your deck will help the longevity of your deck. It will look even better than a new deck after getting stained with quality products. You should think constructively for appointing a professional and trained wood expert to stain your deck and suggest the best wood finishing products you should get. You can get the expert opinion to decide between solid finish and clear coating.

It is best to work on wood in early mornings and late afternoons so that sun may not hinder the penetration of stain by your wood.

Give Your Deck A Face-Lift

Deck is one of the best places for family dinners or backyard barbecues. However, with the different kinds of activity, harsh weather conditions, algae, and stains, the deck can look worn out. For long lasting good looks, it should be cleaned and repaired every season. Routine clean, maintain and refinish can be the best way out to prevent fading.

Assessing the damage

First of all, you need to do a thorough inspection of your deck. Assessing the damages can lead to repairing them at the right time. Look for loose boards, split or rotting wood and cracks. If there is not much damage, you can take revamping your deck as a DIY project, or you can consult with a professional for advice if you notice some major problems.

Cleaning the deck

When you are done with the assessing, you need to do a thorough cleaning. The point of cleaning the deck is to remove all the debris. You can clean it dry or even wash it by using a regular garden hose.

Repair

You need to repair the badly cracked warped or rotten deck boards. A hammer, sandpaper, and drill can be handy for this step. You can fix the nails with the hammer or use the sandpaper to polish the rough spots. However, if you find it difficult to fix, consulting a professional can be a good advice.

Buy the best deck sealer and wood finish

To give a beautiful look to your deck sealer, it is essential to find the best wood deck sealer and finish. A high-quality product should be used for a longer life of the wood. Moreover, for staining you can find different options available such as lightly tinted or solid color. Choose them wisely for a beautiful finish.

With all these simple and easy steps, you can make sure that their deck is revamped like before. So, get ready for the next backyard barbecue.