Applying Deck Sealer to a Wood Deck

  1. Step 1: Check the forecast. …
  2. Step 2: Clear the deck. …
  3. Step 3: Sand (if needed) …
  4. Step 4: Remove debris. …
  5. Step 5: Stir sealer. …
  6. Step 6: Apply sealer. …
  7. Step 7: Repeat & fine tune. …
  8. Step 8: Let it dry.

What is the best way to apply deck sealer?

Apply the deck sealer with a natural bristle brush. A roller is faster, but brushing helps force the sealer into open pores and grain. Make sure to get the sealer into joints where two boards butt together. Apply the deck sealer to three or four boards at once, working their entire length.

When should I apply deck sealer?





DO wait 30 days before sealing a new deck.



If it beads up, the wood is still too wet to seal, but if the water is absorbed, it’s ready to seal. Be sure to apply sealant as soon as the wood is ready; leaving the deck exposed any longer increases the likelihood of both ultraviolet (UV) and moisture damage.

How do you apply clear sealer to a wood deck?


Quote from Youtube video: Before sealing the top deck surfaces. I want to coat the sides. Using a brush that's narrow enough to fit into the spaces between the boards.

How long does it take deck sealer to dry?

24 – 48 hours

For best results, avoid staining at midday or in direct sunlight. If a second coat is required, wait 4 hours between applications. Depending on temperature and humidity, allow 24 – 48 hours of dry time before using your beautifully restored deck or porch.

Does ready SEAL need 2 coats?





ONE OR TWO COATS? Ready Seal is intended to be a two-coat application, and the representation of tones above and on the Ready Seal website is indicative of two coats of Ready Seal.

How do you apply sealer to wood?

Apply the sealer with a clean brush, flowing it on evenly and quickly along the grain of the wood. Make sure all surfaces are evenly covered, and pay particular attention to any end grain. End grain that isn’t properly sealed will absorb stains and finishes more deeply than the rest of the wood in a piece.

When Should I seal my pressure treated deck?

However, most pressure-treated wood should have periodic sealing against moisture, preferably every year or so. Although the wood is resistant to rot and insect attacks because of the pressure treatment, it can warp, split and develop mildew if not protected from the effects of water.

How often should you seal your deck?

every three years



When Should I Reseal My Deck? You should reapply wood sealer at least every three years. In many cases, you need to seal a wood deck once a year. The more foot traffic and sun exposure your deck gets, the more often you need to apply deck sealant.

Can you seal a deck in cold weather?

Don’t seal a deck below 50 degrees.



You don’t want to begin the sealing process until you can safely guarantee the temperature will remain above 50 degrees for at least 48 hours.

What happens if it rains after sealing deck?

If it rains within 48 hours after you apply the stain, the water will soak into the wood pores and try to displace the stain. This will result in a splotchy surface rather than an even tone. If it rains right after you apply the stain, the stain will peel and flake off.

How long after sealing deck can you walk on it?



In most cases a full body stain or acrylic deck finish will be dry to touch within an hour in dry, hot weather. After two hours you could take a chance and walk on it with shoes, though I’d recommend barefoot. After about 4 hours you should be able to safely walk on your deck.

How long after power washing deck can you seal it?

After completing the deck power washing, wait 24 to 36 hours before applying sealer. If the weather is cool or humid, wait 48 to 72 hours. The deck must be thoroughly dry to ensure deep penetration of the sealer.

Should I pressure wash my deck before sealing?

Sand Your Deck Before Sealing



Pressure washing is the best way to prepare your deck for sealing. After you’ve pressure washed your deck, you’ll need to wait for it to completely dry. Sometimes, this can take as long as 48-hours. Once it’s dry, you’ll want to sand your deck lightly.

Do I need to power wash my deck before sealing?

Before sealing your wooden deck, you’ll want to clean it. Power washing your deck is an efficient way to clean and prep your deck for staining, but it’s also easy to damage the wood.

Do I need to clean my deck before sealing?



A wood deck cleaner can help remove dirt, nail stains, algae and mildew. If your deck isn’t brand-new, always use a cleaner before applying finish. Lack of preparation is the most common reason why deck stains and sealers fail, so don’t skip this very important step.

Can you jet wash decking?

If you have timber deck boards, a power washer’s pressure may cause splintering and damage to the timber fibers. If the timber surface already has some splintering, pressure washing will only exacerbate the issue.

How soon can you seal pressure treated wood?

The chemicals used to treat the wood leave moisture behind, and depending on the climate, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months until it’s dry enough to seal.

What goes on first stain or sealer?

The order which you apply stains and sealants varies on what you’re currently working with. For the best performance, we recommend stain first, seal second, and apply Advance Topcoat third. This will provide the best protection of your home.

Should a deck be sealed after staining?



Most of the time, stains also contain a protective sealant. It’s a good idea, though, to re-seal your deck (or check that it needs to be re-sealed) once a year. Water-based stains can adhere to water or oil-based coatings already present on the wooden surface. Water-based stains can be cleaned up with water.

Do you need a sealer after stain wood?

Yes, sealing wood after staining it is essential to protect it from damage and discoloration from foods, liquids, human touch, and piercing objects. While wood stain may seal the pores and offer some protection from moisture and water damage, its primary purpose is to color natural wood.