Applying Siding Stain Over Old Stain

Examine the surface for defects.

Applying siding stain over old stain.

Semi transparent dyes and stains don t peel like paint does however those which are thick or solid can peel in a similar manner to paint. Apply a similar or darker color of stain with no additional preparation required. If there is flaking on your hand or. Rub your hand or a clean cloth over the wood s surface.

Preparing the siding for staining 1. When staining on top of the existing stain choose the right type based on the current finish. Do a clean job at the joints staying with the wood grain direction. Most power washers have a detergent feed feature allowing you to apply detergent and then blast it off with high pressure water.

If your existing deck stain is. If stain is uneven or puddles use a roller to even out. If you plan to switch from a darker stain to a lighter one you will need to remove the old stain fully to achieve the best results. Sanding for the best possible finish lightly sand the whole area to be stained.

Test for cedar bleed with a. If you want to lighten up the color of a dark deck consider a lighter solid stain. Scrape off the old stain with a putty knife or. This will eliminate drip marks.

When the stain begins to lighten and your sanding is producing stain colored dust you have reached the surface of the stain. Use a brush roller paint pad or sprayer to apply one thin coat for clear toner and semi transparent stains. Use a wide paintbrush to apply the stripper to a 2 to 3 foot wide area of the siding. Change your sandpaper often when removing old lacquer.

Rebrush the length of the stain with a dry white china bristle brush to soften and even out the staining as needed. Paint has the tendency to crack and peel as it weathers. Look for problems such as rot mildew dust dirt cedar bleed and chalkiness. Allow to sit until the stain begins to lift and bubble.

Apply the stain in the direction of the woodgrain being careful to observe the joints. This will be hard to cover with a lighter semi transparent color as the old dark color will come through. Stain fades much more slowly and applying a new coat of stain over an old one will make your home s siding appear good as new.