Step-by-Step Guides: How to Protect and Beautify Your Wood

Choose the Right Look and Finish

When deciding to stain your deck, porch, or trim, it is important to determine if it's time to re-treat the surface by performing the splash test. Splash water on the surface and if it's absorbed rapidly, darkening the wood, it's time to reapply a waterproofer. If water beads up or otherwise sits on top of surface, then surface does not need protection at this time.

When choosing a stain finish you need to consider the characteristics of each type and the ultimate look you want to achieve.

• For staining larger projects, such as decks, siding, fences, wood/composite decks, outdoor wood furniture or exterior wood furniture, use Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Oil or Latex Waterproofing Stains.
• Also, when staining smaller projects, such as wooden chairs or outdoor furniture, get the beauty and protection found in other Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® stains, plus the control and ease that only a Gel Waterproofing Stain can provide by using Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® No Drip Exterior Gel Waterproofing Stain.
• With the large variety of color that Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® stains offer, explore your creative side and check out the decorative tips for staining mentioned in Step 4.

Preparation is Critical

Clean surface of all mildew stains, dust, dirt, oil, soot and grease.

• Remove all existing loose, flaking or peeling stain.
• Ensure surface is thoroughly dry before you begin staining.

For best penetration, do not apply stain in direct sunlight or on hot days.

• Shake or mix the stain thoroughly before application. (MECHANICAL SHAKING IS RECOMMENDED)
• When using multiple gallons of the same color, mix contents together to assure color uniformity.
• DO NOT THIN.

Applying the Finish

Apply using an exterior paint pad, brush, roller, or compression driven sprayer set for low pressure.

• Keep the leading edge wet and distribute stain evenly.
• Work from top to bottom or side to side in small areas.
• Only one coat is recommended. A second coat can be applied if desired.
• Actual coverage will vary due to porosity of surface material.

Approximate drying time:

• Latex Waterproofing Stains - 2 hours
• Oil Waterproofing Stains - 24 hours

Decorate With Stains

Go for the bold! A checkerboard pattern gets a modern twist from the choices of Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Deck & House Solid Latex Waterproofing Stain in Cream Buff and Earth Brown. Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Exterior Waterproofing Wood Stains are also available in an oil-based formula. High-quality white lucite furniture with hip lines is the perfect complement.

• Since Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Deck & House Stains come in 117 colors – 50 semi-transparent colors and 67 solid colors, you can achieve a wide variety of looks depending on the colors you choose.
• Remember, when staining a pattern on your deck, it is important to first measure your deck space, and decide the size and placement of your graphic elements. You might want to do a sketch "to scale" first on graph paper to be certain everything is spaced correctly. Also use blue painter's tape to mark off the borders of the areas you're working in; this keeps the stain in the area or space where you want it.