Step-by-Step Guides: Stain Small Outdoor Surfaces

Choose the Look & Protection For Your Small Outdoor Surfaces

Gel Waterproofing Stains are often used for indoor wood working projects because they provide more controllable, precise application. Now, The Thompson's Company has translated those features into a wood stain formulated exclusively for outdoor use with Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® No Drip Exterior Gel Waterproofing Stain. Using this product is a quick easy one-step process and the waterproofer is built in.

Do you have any small wooden items, such as chairs, railings, windowsills, furniture, or planters that you want to protect from the outside elements while adding beautiful color? Do you want to eliminate the hassle of working with brushes, rollers, dripping, and the possibility of applying more than one coat to your surface? If so, Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® No Drip Exterior Gel Waterproofing Stain is the product you are looking for to use on all your small wooden outdoor projects.

• This Gel Waterproofing Stain delivers the control and ease-of-application associated with interior Gel Waterproofing Stains in a formula designed to stand up to outdoor elements. The coating delivers beautiful, fade-resistant color, superior waterproofing protection and resists mildew. Because it is a latex (water-based) formula, it also offers soap and water clean-up, low odor and air-quality (VOC) compliance nationwide.
• Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® No Drip Exterior Gel Waterproofing Stain comes in one-quart sizes in four shades - Cedartone, California Redwood, Sierra Brown and Red Cedar. These shades are equal to the outstanding waterproofing power of their counterparts in the Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Exterior Waterproofing Wood Stains, allowing consumers to treat a deck or siding with the traditional, non-Gel Waterproofing Stain, and get a color match on railings, windowsills, furniture and other deck fixtures from the Gel Waterproofing Stain.
• The Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Exterior Waterproofing Wood Stains includes oil-based and premium latex (water-based) wood stains in more than 100 semi-transparent and solid shades.

Explore your creative side by adding a two-tone look on a wooden chair, using a combination of California Redwood and Pure White. Or go for a simple look with a solid Cedartone Gel Waterproofing Stain color.

Preparation is Critical

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

• Remove all existing loose, flaking or peeling stain. Failure to do so will result in continued flaking and peeling.
• Ensure surface is thoroughly dry for at least 2 days prior to staining for optimal penetration.
• To ensure good penetration, do not apply in direct sunlight or on hot days. Both surface and air temperature should be above 50° Fahrenheit and below 95° Fahrenheit.

Since in-store color samples may vary slightly when actually applied to wood (based on color, texture, grain, porosity, and type of wood), apply Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® No Drip Exterior Gel Waterproofing Stain to a small test area and let dry to determine final color before proceeding with entire project.

• DO NOT THIN.

Applying the Gel Waterproofing Stain Coating

Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® No Drip Exterior Gel Waterproofing Stain is packaged with its own reusable applicator pad. Apply using this foam pad or paint pad, paintbrush, or foam brush.

• The thicker consistency and pad applicator allows you to control the application, including the placement and transparency of the stain. As desired, the product not only provides solid coverage upon application, but also you can use the applicator pad to wipe down the coating until a semi-transparent look is achieved.

Keep the leading edge wet and distribute stain evenly. This will help avoid lap marks and keep color uniform.

• Work from top to bottom or side to side in areas small enough to allow the leading edge to remain wet at all times during application.

To achieve a semi-transparent look, apply the product and drag off the excess with the applicator pad to the desired look. To achieve a solid look, apply the Gel Waterproofing Stain liberally.

• One coat is recommended, but a second coat can be applied to darken the color. Be sure to allow the first coat to dry for approximately 2 hours before second application.