Having a clean and freshly painted wooden deck can improve your outdoor living quality immensely. Not only will a high-quality wooden deck complete your home’s aesthetic, it may also improve your deck’s functionality, as it can hold outdoor furniture safely and without the constant dangers of wood shedding or cracking problems.

In the case that you are considering staining your wooden deck but have no idea where to start, we have put together an easy beginner’s guide to wood finishing for you! In this blog, we will cover the debate between water-based staining products and oil-based staining products, as well as some staining products and brands that we recommend to make your staining process quick and simple.

Water Based Versus Oil Based Products for Exterior Woods When it comes to a clean and long-lasting deck finish, the most important decision to make is whether to use water-based paint products or oil-based paint products for your exterior wood. Oil-based products have traditionally been all-round better than water-based, however, as the industry develops, the pros and cons of the different types of staining and painting products have grown closer. There are a few conditions which may determine which one is more suited for your particular desired wood finish.

A water-based deck product may be a better choice for your exterior wood over an oil stain in the case that you are looking for longer colour retention. Water-based paints also fade less compared to oil stains and are permeable with no blistering.

If you are staining your deck for the first time, a water-based stain may also be easier to apply, as such stains have a quick drying time and can be easily cleaned up with water. Water-based stains are non-flammable and odor-free, making the staining process simple and safe for beginners as well. Some experts also believe water-based stains may last longer on exterior woods under normal circumstances than oil-based stains, as they allow for the wood underneath to breathe and do not trap moisture in the timber. They are also more environmentally friendly than oil-based staining products, however require a more thorough surface preparation and also more frequent touch-ups in the long term.

We also recommend using the correct painting tools and relying on only the best wood staining brands to make the staining process smooth sailing and simple for you.

In contrast, oil-based stains may also be beneficial for exterior wooden decks in particular circumstances. Oil-based stains provide deeper penetration into woods and are also more durable in harsh conditions. Its long drying time in comparison to water-based stains makes it easier for painters to apply an even coat when as well. For those individuals who love the natural rustic wood, oil-based stains may be a better option to consider than water-based stains as wood grain shows through an oil-based stain better than through a water-based one.

When it comes to stain application, there are also slight differences between the ideal application methods for water-based and oil-based products to keep in mind. For example, some stains such as Flood’s Spa-N-Deck require the deck to be wet before application. Wet surfaces help with certain products’ colour absorption rate and also mean that the job can be done in one day, rather than over a course of several days (and waiting for stains to dry before applying a new coat).

However, this application method may not be effective on other stains, as wet surfaces may instead disrupt even application and cause blotches to appear in the stain. Always check your staining product’s instructions first before application to ensure you are using the correct application method – whether it be a water-based or oil-based staining product.

Flood WoodPrep Pre-Paint Treatment

Flood’s WoodPrep Pre-Paint Treatment product can help in simplifying the way you prepare your wood prior to applying wood finishes. It is easy to use and an economical pre-treatment solution for all timber and wood types. This treatment concentration is able to remove stains, dirt and any weathered parts of your deck as well as bring back the natural colour of your greying timber.

It also does not contain any bleach, so will not damage surrounding plants in your yard when diluted. Keep in mind that a 4 litre bottle of this concentrated product can make 8 litres of preparation treatment when mixed 50/50 with water.