Deck Staining, Sealing & Painting

Why Your Deck Needs Protection

Wood decks face constant assault from the elements. Sun, rain, snow, and temperature changes all work together to break down unprotected wood. Here in Kokomo, we experience the full range of weather conditions throughout the year. Your deck needs proper protection to survive and thrive through these seasonal extremes.

Staining and sealing create a protective barrier that keeps moisture out while allowing the wood to breathe. This prevents rot, decay, and mold growth. Quality finishes also block harmful UV rays that fade and gray wood. Regular maintenance with the right products can double or even triple the life of your wood deck.

We have refinished hundreds of decks throughout the Kokomo area. We know which products perform best in our climate and how to apply them for maximum longevity. When you choose PlatinumPro Kokomo Deck Builder for your deck finishing needs, you get expertise that comes from years of hands-on experience with Indiana weather.

Understanding Stains, Sealers, and Paint

Many homeowners are confused about the difference between staining, sealing, and painting. Each serves a purpose, and the right choice depends on your deck condition, wood type, and aesthetic preferences. Let us break down your options.

Deck Stains

Stains penetrate into the wood rather than sitting on top like paint. They enhance or change the color while still allowing the natural wood grain to show through. Stains contain pigments that block UV rays and preservatives that protect against moisture and mildew. There are three main types of deck stain to choose from.

• Transparent stains add minimal color while highlighting the natural wood grain. They offer the least UV protection but showcase the wood beauty.
• Semi-transparent stains add noticeable color while still showing wood texture. They provide good UV protection and are the most popular choice.
• Solid stains add opaque color that hides the grain pattern. They offer maximum UV protection and can cover up imperfections or weathering.

Deck Sealers

Sealers protect wood without adding significant color. Clear sealers maintain the natural wood appearance while providing moisture protection. Some sealers contain mild tinting to prevent graying. Sealers are often used on new wood that has not yet weathered or on premium woods like cedar where you want to preserve the natural color.

Many modern products combine stain and sealer in one application. These combination products provide both color and protection in a single step. They are convenient and effective for most deck maintenance needs.

Deck Paint

Paint sits on top of wood rather than penetrating. It provides complete coverage and hides all wood grain and imperfections. Paint is best for deck components like railings, stairs, or trim rather than deck surfaces. Walking traffic wears through paint quickly on horizontal surfaces. However, paint can be a good choice for refreshing older decks or matching specific color schemes.

Our Professional Application Process

Proper preparation and application techniques make all the difference between a finish that lasts two years and one that lasts five years or more. We follow a proven process that delivers superior results every time.

Surface Preparation

We start by thoroughly cleaning your deck. This removes dirt, mildew, old failing finish, and any contaminants that would prevent proper adhesion. We use professional-grade deck cleaners and the right tools for your wood type. Soft woods need gentler treatment than hard pressure-treated lumber.

If your deck has gray weathering, we use deck brighteners to restore the natural wood color before staining. This step opens up the wood pores so stain can penetrate properly. We also sand any rough or splintered areas and set popped nails. The deck must be completely clean and dry before we apply any finish.

Product Selection

We help you choose the right product for your specific situation. We consider your wood type, deck age, sun exposure, and desired appearance. We only use high-quality products from reputable manufacturers. Cheap stains might cost less upfront, but they fail quickly and end up costing more in the long run through frequent reapplication.

Application

We apply stain using the method best suited to your deck and product. This might be brushing, rolling, or spraying. Each technique has advantages for different situations. We work systematically to ensure even coverage with no lap marks or inconsistencies. All vertical surfaces like railings and stairs get proper attention, not just the deck floor.

We also protect your home, landscaping, and outdoor furniture during the process. Everything is covered or moved as needed. We clean up thoroughly when finished, leaving you with a beautiful deck and no mess. If you need more extensive work beyond refinishing, we also offer complete deck repair and restoration services.

How Often Should You Restain Your Deck

The frequency of restaining depends on several factors. Sun exposure is the biggest consideration. Decks in full sun need refinishing more often than shaded decks. The type of product you use also matters. Higher-quality stains with better UV protection last longer than budget options.

As a general guideline, plan to restain your deck every two to three years. Transparent stains on the shorter end of that range, solid stains on the longer end. You can tell it is time for maintenance when water stops beading on the surface or when the color starts looking faded. Do not wait until the finish has completely failed and the wood is graying or showing damage.

Regular cleaning between staining extends the life of your finish. A simple wash once or twice a year removes dirt and mildew that can break down the protective coating. Keep debris swept off your deck so moisture does not get trapped against the surface. These simple habits make your stain last longer and keep your deck looking better.

Choosing the Right Color for Your Deck

Color selection is a personal choice, but there are practical considerations beyond just what you think looks nice. Lighter colors stay cooler in summer sun and show less fading over time. Darker colors create dramatic contrast but may fade faster and feel hotter underfoot.

We recommend choosing colors that complement your home exterior rather than trying to match exactly. Your deck should tie into your overall home color scheme without looking like an extension of the siding. Natural wood tones in browns and tans are always popular because they work with most architectural styles.

We provide samples so you can test colors on your actual deck before committing. Wood type affects how stain looks, so what appears as a warm honey on one deck might look orange on another. Testing in your specific lighting conditions helps ensure you get the results you want.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deck Finishing