You’ve picked a stain color. Now comes the part that’s easier to overlook: getting the wood ready for it. A deck that’s dirty and weathered needs a different shopping list than one with an old coating still on it. Here’s how to put together the right Deck & Wood Stain products for your project, from the first prep step to the final coat.
Step 1: Choose the prep that matches your deck
For bare wood that needs cleaning, start with DRP Cleaner. If the wood is gray and weathered, consider DRP Restorer. If an old finish needs to come off, look at how much is left and what kind of coating you’re dealing with. Cleaner & Remover can lift many weathered or transparent coatings. DRP Stripper Plus is the option for stubborn finishes or multiple layers.
Test your prep product on a small spot first. If one part of the deck is bare and another still has finish on it, include both conditions in your test.
Step 2: Brighten if your prep calls for it
If you’re using the DIY Deck Cleaner and Brightener Bundle, clean first, then apply the Brightener to wet wood as directed. DRP Restorer is also designed to be followed by a brightening step. If you used DRP Stripper Plus, the product does not require a separate brightener. Follow the label for the prep product you actually used.
Step 3: Test your stain on prepared wood
Even if you’ve narrowed it down to a color like Burlington Gold, Medford Cedar, or Moorestown Brown, try a sample on the prepared wood before ordering for the whole deck. Look at it in sun and shade. The same color can look different on older boards and newer replacements, so test both if your deck has a mix. Once you’ve chosen a color, follow the stain label for application and weather conditions.
Put your order together
For a project that calls for Cleaner or Cleaner & Remover, Deck in the Box 500 pairs your choice of those prep bundles with a stain color and basic supplies. If your project calls for Stripper Plus, order that and your stain separately.
Ready to restore your deck? Shop the Deck & Wood Stain system to build your order, or call 866-440-3325 for help putting it together.
