Used Thompson’s WaterSeal Heavy Duty Deck Cleaner. If there is dirt and stains from mildew but no coating, then an exterior cleaner like Thompson’s WaterSeal Heavy Duty Deck Cleaner will work on any type of wood.

Wait 10-15 minutes, then begin lightly scrubbing the boards, working your way down. You don't have to scrub hard, but be thorough. When the cleaning is done well, staining the deck goes really quickly. When each section is done, rinse well and move on to the next section.

Don't forget to check the railings to see if they need to be cleaned and re-stained, as well.urfaces, all painting should be done within twelve hours for best adhesion.

Most deck cleaners can be applied using a pump-up sprayer. Just unscrew the cap, pour in your cleaner, put the cap back on and pump until the pressure is built up. But, remember to read and follow the package instructions. If you're using a deck stripper, it cannot be applied with a sprayer, it must be applied with a watering can.

Whether you're using a deck cleaner or a deck stripper, the application is the same. Don't try to do the whole deck at once. Start working in a small area (about 50-70 sq. ft.) and complete the whole deck cleaning process there before moving on.

Use Thompson’s Water Seal Wood Sealer. There are many colors and transparencies to choose from. The color of the wood can actually affect the look of some stains, so definitely test the stain in an inconspicuous corner of the deck or on scrap lumber to ensure you like the color. If it looks good, go ahead and get started!

Put painter's tape along any areas where the deck is right up against the house to avoid getting stain on your brick or siding. The color of the wood can actually affect the look of some stains, so definitely test the stain in an inconspicuous corner of the deck or on scrap lumber to ensure you like the color. If it looks good, go ahead and get started!

If you have railings, you should start with them first. You won't want to walk on the main deck for a few hours after it's stained.

You can use a roller or a brush to apply deck coatings, but we recommend the pad on the long pole. This keeps you from getting down on your hands and knees. Some - not all - deck coatings can be sprayed on, but if you use a sprayer, be sure to go back over the deck stain with a paint pad, brush or roller to work it into the wood and help keep the color uniform.

DON'T FORGET TO READ THE INSTRUCTIONS on your product! Not all products work exactly the same, so be sure to read and follow the instructions found on your can.

• When you're ready for the main deck, dip the paint pad into the stain and squeeze out the excess by pressing it against the top edge of the pan. Start applying the stain to just a few boards at a time. Don't put it on too thick. One thin, even coat does the job.
• Keep working in small areas before moving on - this way, the leading edge of your stain stays wet, avoiding lap marks when the stain dries. It's okay to go back over your work and catch any spots you missed and to be sure the stain is worked into the wood.
• One coat is enough, but if more color is desired, a second coat can be applied within two hours before the first coat has dried.

• Painter's Tape - tape off any areas of the house that are right up against the deck
• Paint Pad or Roller - this will go on the end of the same pole used for scrubbing the deck
• Brush - for railings or tight areas 
• Paint Pan - to hold the stain
• Many deck stains clean up with soap and water, but check the label instructions and pick up paint thinner for clean-up, if needed.