Decks and fences add character and security to your property while also extending your outdoor living space. They enhance your property and increase property values as well. In fact, the addition of a deck and fencing are two of the biggest exterior upgrades you can make to your property.
Most decks and many fences are wood. Natural wood is a beautiful product. Rich and full-grained, it provides a warm feeling to the area. However, natural wood is also susceptible to weather conditions, insect damage and age.
Deck/Fence Staining
To retain the beautiful look and feel of natural wood, it is best when stained.
Using a stain protects the wood from damaging UV rays, water damage, weather and even termites and other insects. The addition of a stain adds years to your wood deck or fence. Additionally, stains are renewable, and can be reapplied as needed to keep the wood looking fresh.
The Veteran’s Painting Plus team specializes in deck or fence staining. Though it may sound like a DIY job, the process of a good staining project is not as easy as it sounds.
Deck/Fence Painting
Not everyone is a fan of natural wood. If you prefer a more integrated feel, or if your deck or fence are made of a non-wood material such as block or brick, painting is your best choice.
Like staining, painting protects wood from damaging environmental and weather-related issues. It also adds years of life and enhances the look and feel, while being renewable.
However, painting allows for your fencing/deck to be integrated with the color of your home.
Using a matching or even a highlight color, painting the deck and/or fence brings the whole property together in a way that staining simply does not.
The Veteran’s Painting Plus Process
Whether wood or block, the process of preparing the area for staining or painting is comparable.
Preparation is the foundation of a good project. It is one of the steps so many DIYers don’t do properly, then they are disappointed with the results. For a professional, quality result you need a professional company that understands the fundamentals.
Preparation. Wood or block, the fence or deck must be thoroughly cleaned. Applying stain or paint on a dirty surface is simply unacceptable. Pressure washing is a must.
Depending on the existing condition, we may need to strip off loose or peeling stain or paint. Then the area must completely dry. Applying paint or stain on a wet surface will not allow for proper adhesion or absorption.
Any mold or mildew must be addressed. This is more common with wood fencing, than other styles. A light solution of bleach/water is generally sufficient to handle the problem. This area must also fully dry.
Protective covers will be placed over adjacent shrubs, flower beds and other landscaping. In the case of a deck, the home and trim must be protected. This is accomplished much like the preparation for an exterior paint project.
Application. Whether painted or sprayed, the stain or paint is applied in even consistent strokes to ensure a quality result. Each coating must be allowed to thoroughly dry before another coat is applied.
Staining or painting a fence/deck is a time-consuming and often messy job. Let us do it for you. Call the team at Veteran’s Painting Plus to schedule your project, 770-442-0751.