How To Refinish Deck Railings

How to Choose the Right Stain

There are three types of stains: transparent penetrating oil, semi-transparent, and solid stain. They each protect the wood equally well. However, their lifespans vary.

How to Clean and Restain a Deck

Transparent stains last for two to three years before requiring refinishing. Semi-transparent stains last three to four years. Solid stains last about five years.

How to Refinish Deck Railings

How do you choose the best stain for your railings? There are three types of stains: transparent penetrating oil, semi-transparent, and solid stain. They each protect the wood equally well. However, their lifespans vary.

Transparent stains last for two to three years before requiring refinishing. Semi-transparent stains last three to four years. Solid stains last about five years.

For enhancing the look of beautiful wood like mahogany, transparent stains are typically best. For discolored wood or matching repairs, solid stains are best. Semi-transparent stains land somewhere in the middle. How do you check for rot in a wood railing? To check for rot, use a painter’s tool to tap the bases and corners of the deck railing. Make sure to check all of the sides. Should I sand with or against the wood grain? Always go with the grain of the wood when you’re sanding. This applies to painting and staining as well. How do I dispose of used rags? Place the oily rags in a metal paint bucket, fill it with water, place a lid on the can, and ask your local town how to dispose of them.

Resources

To check for rot, Mauro used a 5 in 1 painter’s tool from Hyde Tools to tap the bases and corners of the deck railing. To prep the deck railings, Mauro used Green Frog painters tape to cover the rail wires. To vacuum up the dust from sanding the railings, Mauro used the Festool CT 15 E HEPA dust extractor. The penetration oil Mauro used on the deck railing was the Penofin penetration Brazilian rosewood oil finish for hardwood transparent natural finish. All other tools used, including painter’s plastic, sanding sponges, and 2 1/2 inch synthetic angled flat brush can be found at local home centers.