How to prep a deck
Prep your deck by checking the wood first. Renail loose boards and replace damaged boards with pressure treated lumber that is no more than 1 year old. Sweep off debris, clean the full deck with BEHR PREMIUM® All-In-One Wood Cleaner, then wash the surface to remove old coatings and open wood pores. Let the deck dry for at least 24 hours. Sand raised fibers with 80 grit sandpaper and remove dust so the surface is ready for stain or paint.
- Inspect deck wood first, renail loose boards, and replace damaged boards with newer pressure-treated lumber.
- Clean the entire deck after sweeping debris, using BEHR PREMIUM® All-In-One Wood Cleaner as directed.
- Wash the deck carefully with a pressure washer or garden hose to remove coatings and open pores.
- Let the deck dry at least 24 hours, then sand protruding fibers and remove all sanding dust.
- Complete deck preparation before applying stain or paint so the surface is properly ready.
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.
Tools & supplies
- BEHR PREMIUM® All-in-One Wood Cleaner
- Pump Sprayer
- Broom
- Garden Hose
- Stiff Bristle Brush
Step-by-step process
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.
