Power washing is an excellent way to get the exterior spaces of your home clean, but is it enough to prepare the surface of your deck or porch for staining or painting? While pressure washing is a great start, it might not always be enough to prepare for the stain to last. There are times when you will need a second process to remove the stain for your deck to better absorb. However, power washing, even if there is another step, is the first and most critical one.
When You Need Deck Stripper
If the deck is not new and you are re-staining it, then pressure washing alone will probably not be enough. Although it will remove the dirt and debris build-up, it will not be enough to retain the original stain. If there is old stain remaining, then the wood cannot be penetrated evenly. Also, it will make it more likely that the stain will begin to chip or peel because it won’t adhere properly. When there is still stain remaining on the deck, then it is a good idea to use a deck stripper as an extra step.
What if It is a New Deck?
If the deck is new and it does not have stain or paint on it, then pressure washing will help to prepare the surface. Sometimes, however, there will be remnants of the glaze that comes from the mill, which can prevent the deck from staining evenly, which might require you to use a deck stripper. In many cases, power washing is enough.
Tips to Make Your Stain Last Longer
The best way to make sure that your stain lasts is by paying attention to the prep work. If you get down to bare wood, then the stain will have an easier time soaking into the wood evenly. Pressure washing is a great first step to cleaning the wood, and it is one of the most inexpensive ways to prep your deck. The more prep work and time you put in before you stain your deck, the longer it will last, and the less likely you are to have to do it all over again in just a couple of years!
The Takeaway…
As we reach the springtime, many homeowners will realize that their deck or porch needs to be re-stained. Power washing is an excellent way to prepare your deck or porch because it removes dirt and debris build-up, making it more likely that the stain will absorb. But sometimes power washing alone is not enough.
Either way, hire Peppers Pepper Washing to get the exterior of your home or office clean. Whether you are going to stain, re-stain, or just clean things up, we have the expertise, equipment, and experience to make the outside of your space look its best. Contact us to make your appointment today!