Back Arrow Back to Wood Stains How-To
Back Arrow Back to Wood Stains How-To

How to Prep a Deck

If no previous stain or finish has been applied or it has worn away, you'll usually have a weathered wood surface that has aged and darkened in color. Rejuvenate and prepare your wood for coating with BEHR PREMIUM® All-in-One Wood Cleaner.

For Best Results:

Use BEHR PREMIUM All-in-One Wood Cleaner to remove stains caused by mold and mildew, while also restoring the wood's natural color.

Once the surface has completely dried, coat with a BEHR Stain or Finished product.

Suggested Tools & Supplies

  • BEHR PREMIUM® All-in-One Wood Cleaner

  • Pump Sprayer

  • Broom

  • Garden Hose

  • Stiff Bristle Brush

  • Step 1

    Grab your tools.

  • Step 2

    Use a broom to sweep off the deck and remove any dust or dirt.

  • Step 3

    Use a hose to spray down your deck.

  • Step 4

    Apply BEHR PREMIUM® All-in-One Wood Cleaner with a pump sprayer.

  • Step 5

    Wait 15 minutes, then scrub your deck clean in the direction of the grain with a stiff bristle brush. You may notice some bubbles.

  • Step 6

    Rinse the deck thoroughly.

  • Step 7

    Allow your deck to completely dry before you begin staining. This may take about 24 hours.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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What sheen do I need?
How much paint do I need?
8 Oz. Sample
1 Gallon
1 Quart
5 Gallon
The following product(s) is required to properly prep and pre-treat wood prior to any stain project.
Required product
BEHR PREMIUM ALL-IN-ONE WOOD CCCC
Estimated Price
$0.00
The following product(s) is required to properly prep and pre-treat wood prior to any stain project. Only available in store at Home Depot.
Required 3rd party product
BEHR PREMIUM ALL-IN-ONE WOOD CCCC
The 9 in. x 1/4 in. Polyester Adhesive Roller Cover has a hard texture, making it ideal for applying all types of adhesives to smooth surfaces. It can be used for stippling and applying sand paints.
The following product(s) is recommended when stripping is needed.
Recommended product
BEHR PREMIUM ALL-IN-ONE WOOD CCCC
Estimated Price
$0.00
$0.00
Product price is estimated. Pricing could change based on your local Home Depot pricing.
The Home Depot logoSold Exclusively at The Home Depot

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