A correctly stained deck should have a matte finish. If you notice that your deck is shiny after staining, you might be wondering what went wrong and whether you can fix it.
When your deck stain appears shiny after it is fully dried, chances are you applied too much stain. You may notice some spots are shinier than others depending on how thick the stain was applied in different areas.
Staining your deck is an easy way to protect your deck from the elements including sun and water damage. In this article, we are going to talk about the ways to correctly stain your deck, prevent it from looking shiny, and show you how to fix it.
Will my deck look shiny if I stain it?
Stained decks should have a flat, matte finish rather than a shiny finish. The stain should look even and matte with no spots that are darker or shinier than others. Deck stain is designed to penetrate the boards of your deck so that it can protect the wood from the inside out.
It’s important to remember that deck stain is different than other stains like hardwood stain. Most hardwood stain is designed to have a shiny look, but if your deck stain looks shiny you will most likely want to fix it.
How can I fix shiny deck stain?
If your deck looks shiny even after it has finished drying, don’t worry. It is most likely because you applied the stain too heavy in some spots or all over. There are some things that you can do to fix the stain so that it looks dry and even.
If you notice that the stain looks shiny in some areas and it is not yet completely dry, you can try to backbrush the stain with a clean brush to redistribute the stain. This should even out the coverage and help the stain not to look as shiny.
However, it’s not always possible to fix shiny deck stain before it has a chance to dry. Here is the process to fix shiny deck stain quickly and easily.
What will you need:
- A rag
- Mineral spirits
How to fix it:
- Soak a clean soft, rag in mineral spirits.
- Wipe the spots where you notice the deck is shiny to break down the excess stain.
- Allow the deck to dry and make sure the spots dry matte.
- Repeat until you don’t notice any more shine.
Do I have to stain my deck?
While it’s not essential to stain your deck, you will most likely want to. Staining your deck works as a protective coating to shield the wood from the elements, which will extend the life of your deck.
What are the benefits of staining my deck?
When you build a deck, it’s important not to skip out on staining it to give it that finishing touch. If you’re on the fence about whether you should stain it, here are some of the important benefits to consider.
Stain shields your deck from the elements
Decks are the foundation of an outdoor living space. They take a lot of abuse from sun, rain, and even snow, depending on where you live. Because wood is porous, it’s important to protect it from excess sun and moisture. This is where staining comes in.
Deck stain is designed to help add a protective layer to your deck to protect the wood from fading, cracking, or growing mold and mildew. It soaks into the wood and provides important protection for years to come.
Deck stain gives your deck a clean, refreshed appearance
One of the best things about stain is that it greatly improves the appearance of any deck. It can enhance or improve the appearance of the deck by showcasing the natural color and texture of the wood.
You can choose from many different color stains that match your home and yard aesthetic. The stain provides a rich, even wash of color that makes the wood look new and clean.
Stain is more forgiving than painting
If you are going the DIY route to finish your deck, staining is much more forgiving than painting. As long as you apply deck stain in smooth, even strokes, you will end up with a great look.
You don’t have to worry about using a primer when you stain, so this makes it an easier and faster process than painting.
Stain holds up well
Even the best outdoor paint can chip and wear from repeated exposure to direct sun and repeated foot traffic. For this reason, painted decks usually need to be touched up very frequently.
Although stained wood will eventually fade over time, it tends to fade more slowly and evenly than paint would.
Stain protects against insects
In addition to protecting your deck against rot and mildew, stain can also help to keep bugs out as well. Stain is a great deterrent for any insects that might bore into wood. It seals the pores of the wood and makes it harder for them to penetrate the surface.
Staining your deck prolongs the life of your deck
A deck is an investment. It is an important part of your home and it is worth maintaining to keep it in good condition. Because stain acts like a shield to protect your deck from moisture, UV rays, and even insects, it’s important not to skip this step.
How often should I stain my deck?
Once you stain your deck, it is pretty low maintenance. You only need to stain your deck about every 1-3 years to make sure it is protecting the wood properly. If you keep up with it regularly, it will help prolong the life of your deck.
How many coats of stain does my deck need?
It is best to apply 2 coats of stain to your deck to ensure even coverage. This will give you the opportunity to fix any mistakes, adjust any uneven or shiny spots, and leave your deck looking beautiful and brand new.
Final Thoughts
The goal of staining your deck is never to have a shiny finish. If your deck is shiny after the stain has dried, you most likely applied the stain unevenly or it pooled in certain areas. This is common and fixable by brushing out the stain or applying mineral spirits to break down the heavy spots.
If you found this helpful, be sure to check out our other posts on how to stain your deck like a pro! Thanks for reading!
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