Deck and Porch Staining · Jun 2020
Washed, then red solid stain
Washed, then red solid stain. These are before and after photos from the job, taken Jun 2020. This deck and porch staining project was done by Larry Gaytos and the My Personal Painter crew. We are based in Florence, Kentucky, and our work is covered by a 2-year touch-up warranty.
Before and After Photos
Wood Deck Washed and Refinished in a Red Solid Stain
This large backyard deck sits off a brick and siding home and is lined with black metal railings that have a ring pattern near the top. The posts are a dark reddish brown. The before photo was taken during washing. Half the deck is still wet and dark, and the other half has dried to a pale, weathered gray. An old red finish was left only on the outer border boards and on a center board that runs across the deck. A long hose stretches across the surface. In the after photos the whole floor is a solid brick red, including the border and the divider board. The solid stain hides most of the gray weathering and gives the deck an even, painted look, though some wood texture still shows in bright sun. The red pairs well with the dark posts, black railings and red brick walls of the house.
How We Washed and Stained This Deck, Step by Step
- We cleared the deck and covered nearby plants, the house wall and the door threshold so cleaner and stain could not reach them.
- The boards were washed to remove dirt, mildew and loose, worn finish. The before photo shows the deck mid-wash, half wet and half dry.
- We let the wood dry fully after washing. Solid stain applied over damp wood is more likely to peel or bubble later.
- Raised fibers and rough spots were lightly sanded, and loose fasteners were checked so the surface was sound before any color went on.
- We cut in along the house, the post bases and the edges of the border boards with a brush before rolling the open areas.
- The solid red stain was applied a few boards at a time, working full board lengths so the color dried without lap marks.
- After the stain dried, we checked board ends and gaps for thin spots and touched them up before the deck went back into use.
Trim Colors That Pair With This Red Stained Deck
These are similar trim and railing colors to consider next to a red stained deck like this one, but they are not exact colors used on this home.
Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore SW 7069
A soft black close to these metal railings, and a strong partner for red deck boards and red brick walls.
Sherwin-Williams Van Dyke Brown SW 7041
A deep brown for posts and fascia boards that sits between the red floor and black rails, like the dark posts here.
Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter HC-172
A warm greige that would suit siding or a porch ceiling near a red deck, close in feel to the siding on this house.
Questions About Solid Deck Stain
When is solid stain a better choice than semi-transparent?
Solid stain is a good choice for older decks with gray weathering, patchy old color or mismatched boards. It covers those flaws much like paint. Semi-transparent stain works best on newer or well-kept wood where you want the grain to show. Your deck’s condition often makes the choice for you.
Why wash a deck before applying solid stain?
Even solid stain needs a clean surface to grip. Dirt, mildew and loose old finish can cause the new coat to peel early. Washing also removes the gray layer of worn wood fibers. The deck needs to dry fully afterward, often a day or more depending on the weather.
How often does a solid stained deck need recoating?
It depends on sun, shade and foot traffic. Horizontal boards wear much faster than railings or walls. Many decks need a refresh coat every few years, with stairs and walkways showing wear first. Recoating before the finish peels badly is easier than stripping it later.
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