The stain will keep the deck safe, well looked after, and attractive. You should always apply new polish to the deck every year, or when the deck starts to show signs of wear and tear. Before applying the polish, clean and prepare the wooden deck surface.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Preparing the Deck
Step 1. Clean all the furniture
The wood surface must be completely clean before it can be polished.
Step 2. Clean the deck with a broom to remove twigs, leaves, gravel, and other debris
Check the gaps between the deck boards to make sure there are no rocks, twigs, or other objects stuck there
Step 3. Look for other areas where the wood is chipped or looks worn
Prior to polishing, this area of the deck will need to be sanded to make it smooth and shiny.
Sand the deck board in the direction of the wood groove. Use a pole sander, which allows you to stand while sanding, or kneel down and scrub with a manual sander
Step 4. Wash the deck with a deck cleaner
These cleaning products can be purchased at hardware stores, home retailers, or supermarkets.
- Follow the guidelines for the deck cleaning product you are using. Some products require you to wet the deck before washing, while others require you to apply the product directly to the wood.
- Allow the cleaner to wet the deck according to the instructions for use. Rinse the deck after cleaning, if needed.
Step 5. Air the deck to dry
It usually takes 2 days for the deck to dry.
Method 2 of 3: Choosing a Deck Polish
Step 1. Look for a varnish that is similar to the color of the deck, or a darker shade
Test the color of the polish on a small section of the deck to make sure you get the color you want
Step 2. Choose a waterproof polish to provide protection against water and ultraviolet light
Use a waterproof polish that also protects against mildew
Step 3. Consider using a semi-transparent polish if you want to display the original grooves of the deck wood
Usually this type of varnish also features a wooden deck texture.
Method 3 of 3: Using Polish
Step 1. Dress appropriately
To protect yourself, wear gloves, pants and long sleeves. You can also wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes.
Step 2. Stir the polish in the can
Don't shake the polish can and don't get bubbles.
Step 3. Use a bristle brush or paint roller to apply a thin, even coat to 2-3 boards at a time
You will need a small paint brush in corners and other difficult places, such as steps and benches.
- Wipe from one end of the deck board to the other, using long, even strokes.
- Spread the polish gently. Do not let the polish pool.
Step 4. Continue wiping until the entire deck is covered with a layer of polish
Step 5. Allow the polish to dry for at least 3 days
Some people apply a second coat, but this is not really necessary. Bob Vila says that more polish is not necessarily better. If too much, the polish can peel or crack.
Step 6. Place all furniture and other items back on the deck when the polish is completely dry
Tips
- Check to see if the deck is effectively repelling water. If so, it means the polish is still functioning well.
- Usually 4 liters of deck polish can cover up to 45-60 meters. Calculate the area and buy all the polishes at once so you don't have to mix multiple cans as the results can appear uneven due to the manufacturing process.
- To prevent what professionals call picture framing, apply polish to a small area at a time before moving on to the next board. If the polishes are overlapped, the result will look ugly and unprofessional.
- Matching colors can be tricky at times so if your deck color needs updating, it's a good idea to plan on doing it all.
- Typically, and depending on the level of crowding of the deck, polish and paint on the floor lasts only 2-3 years. If you don't want to do maintenance every 2-3 years, consider using polyurethane, synthetic deck flooring, or overlays.
