With summertime in full swing, your clients’ decks are likely in need of some TLC, and Behr Paint Company is here to help with our expert tips for exterior deck staining—allowing you to generate more business and referrals. From decks that have seen it all to decks that are brand new, this article provides a breakdown of the variety of exterior wood stains and finishes we offer, so that you can find the stain that will satisfy your client, along with best practices for decks that have undergone minimal to extreme weathering. 

How to Bring an Old Deck Back to Life 

As a professional painter, you know that the secret to success is preparation, and the same goes for prolonging the finish of a deck. The end result depends on how much time and care is put in at the start of a project. When it comes to dealing with a peeling finish on a worn deck, start with BEHR PREMIUM® Wood Stain & Finish Stripper to strip away old stains and finishes and remove wood fibers. After giving the deck a fresh start, follow up with BEHR PREMIUM® All-In-One Wood Cleaner to clean and restore the wood.  

Are you facing a deck that has seen it all? Every splinter and crack imaginable? Give your client’s deck a do-over with BEHR PREMIUM® ADVANCED DECKOVER® Coating, available in smooth and textured finishes. By resurfacing a properly primed and prepped deck, BEHR PREMIUM® ADVANCED DECKOVER® Coating fills in cracks, conceals wild splinters, and creates a slip-resistant coating to extend the life of a deck. Rain also stands no chance against the waterproof feature of this coating. And voila! Your client didn’t need a new deck after all, and now you have a happy customer.  

Additional Tips to Keep in Mind: 

• Ideal temperatures to stain a deck are between 50-90 degrees. 
• Check the weather! Ensure that weather elements won’t add unwanted moisture 1-2 days before and after application. 
• Let wood dry at least 24 hours before applying any stain coating. 
• Consult with your client about their desired opacity for the stain—Behr offers three different stain finishes that expose varying levels of wood grain: transparent, semi-transparent, and solid color. 
• Indicate to your clients that their decks will need maintenance and upkeep.  

How to Maintain New to Moderately Weathered Decks 

For new to slightly weathered, unsealed decks with no more than 5 years of exposure, opt for BEHR PREMIUM® Transparent Waterproofing Wood Finish. By creating a clear finish, this product beautifies the wood and showcases the grain. With up to 4 years protection against UV rays and harsh weather elements, this is a go-to product for protecting and embellishing new decks. If your client’s deck has 0-10 years of exposure, BEHR PREMIUM® Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stain & Sealer will enhance wood’s natural patterns, while offering heavier protection against imperfections caused by weather for up to 6 years. And finally, for decks that have lived long lives—15+ years—rejuvenate weathered and cracking wood surfaces with BEHR PREMIUM® Solid Color Waterproofing Stain & Sealer. Available in over 1,600 custom colors, the options are endless, and its beautifying properties last up to 10 years. 

Additional Tips to Keep in Mind: 

• For new wood, use our BEHR PREMIUM® All-In-One Wood Cleaner to open the pores of wood in preparation for staining. 
• Reapply stain finishes as needed. 
• Use 60-80 grit paper for sanding. 
• Indicate to your client to regularly sweep their deck and trim nearby greenery to prevent mold and moss.  

Looking for another quality product at a lesser price? Check out Behr’s DECKplus® Wood Stain line for all your deck staining needs. Ideal for application on new to moderately weathered decks and available in three finishes: transparent, semi-transparent, and solid color, BEHR DECKplus® wood stains seal out water and block UV rays, allowing for protection that still showcases wood texture. 

Check out behrpro.com to learn more about Behr’s exterior wood stains and finishes. Happy deck staining!