Planning for an exterior staining project in Boston, Massachusetts?
Once the snow clears and temperatures become favorable again, it’s time to knock those exterior improvement projects off your to-do list as soon as possible.
Whether it’s the siding, deck, or fence, refreshing the surface coating adds much-needed protection and improves its aesthetic appeal.
In this article, we will share some quick tips and advice on exterior staining in Boston, MA.
Read on;
Exterior Staining
You will probably find that there are several types of exterior stains on the market and that the first step will be to determine which one is right for you.
The main ones are;
- Semi-opaque stain: This type of stain has fewer pigments than the opaque stain. It will only partially cover the surface to which it is applied, so it is a better option if you want to show off a little bit of the material underneath.
- will need to be reapplied every two or four years.
- Opaque stain: Opaque stain resembles paint in terms of its ability to cover the material to which it is applied. It works relatively the same as paint and will flake if not applied properly.
- Transparent Stain: This type of stain is ideal if you live in a very sunny region and you want to block the sun without changing the color of your exterior material. It shows all the grains and knots in the wood and it needs to be reapplied every year.
- Semi-transparent stain: This stain works the same way as the semi-opaque stain, but is a little more transparent. It changes the color of the material, but will not completely hide the material underneath. This type of stain will need to be reapplied every two or three years.
Once you have found a stain that meets your needs, the next thing you will need to do is to clean the surface.
Your siding can be cleaned using a pressure washing machine or by hand with soap and water if the siding is rather fragile.
If you find traces of mold on the surface, these will need to be removed using bleach.
If you need to make any repairs (minor or major) to the surface of the wood, do this before staining.
This includes replacing rotting planks, applying caulk around windows and doors to seal if necessary, and correcting surface flaws.
Staining the Surface
When you start staining, be sure to wear plastic gloves and additional protection such as a face mask, long sleeves, and long pants.
Use a good brush when applying the stain. If you have chosen to work with an oil-based stain, we suggest using a natural bristle brush.
If you are applying a latex-based paint, you should instead opt for a synthetic bristle brush.
Also, make sure the work is done in ideal weather conditions. You should avoid staining your exterior when the temperatures are too high and when it’s humid outside.
This is because the stain will have difficulty drying, which will cause irregular appearance. Also, avoid staining in direct sunlight.
When staining, stir your stain frequently.
This will help you achieve consistent color and texture.
We also recommend that you test the stain on a small section of the surface and allow it to dry before staining the rest of the surface.
Depending on the material you are working with, be sure to apply the stain following the grain of the wood.
Go slowly and make regular movements. Work in sections, avoiding allowing the stain to dry completely before staining the adjacent section.
Once fully applied, the stain should take approximately 24 hours to completely dry. Only then should you apply a second coat, which is an option to consider for severely flawed surfaces.
Book a Free Estimate.
Staining or painting your home exterior, deck or fence can be overwhelming if you don’t have the skills, experience, and tools.
At Total Pro Painters, we have years of experience in exterior and interior home painting and staining, currently serving Boston Massachusetts homeowners.
If you would love to give us a try, call us today at (774) 509-0345 for a FREE estimate!
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