Let the deck cleaner sit for at least 15 minutes on the deck boards and then scrub at the wood with a stiff bristled scrub brush with a bit of elbow grease to clean the timber.
How to prep a cedar deck for staining.
First sand out rough areas to flatten the decks surface clear debris trapped in crevices get any nails or other debris cleared away if they are protruding.
This will renew the decking color as well as allow the stain to be absorbed more effectively.
Move your brush or broom along the boards of your deck lengthwise from end to end to work the cleaner deep into the grain.
Lightly sand the deck with a drywall sanding pad and 150 grit sanding screen.
Rinse the deck with a pressure washer.
Use a power washer or hose to thoroughly clean the surface of the deck.
Let the cleaner sit for 10 to 15 min.
Use a thick brush when staining.
If it pools on the surface do it later.
If your deck is brand new then you can skip this step.
Get into the corners and the cracks between the boards as you sweep.
The boards go through a planing process at the mill that result in mill glazing.
Pay special attention to moss heavily soiled patches and other spots that may need more attention.
Otherwise the dust in these crevices can get into the stain and cause uneven.
Sweep the deck to remove dust dirt and sawdust.
Apply the stain if it soaks in its ready.
Four easy steps to prepping your deck to be stained.
If your cedar decking has been exposed to the elements for a longer period of time and has weathered a great deal then you should wash it before staining.
Scrub the deck vigorously with a push broom or stiff bristled brush.
The planing process causes an oily surface on the boards that can hinder the wood stain from penetrating the wood.
One of the most thorough methods when staining is to use a thick natural bristle brush.
Then rinse the entire deck and let it dry.
If your cedar deck is newly installed you ll need to sand the cedar boards prior to staining.
This is easy to determine with penetrating semi transparent stains.
Prepare your cedar siding by washing it with soapy water to remove any dirt or dust if any has accumulated.
Cedar should be stained as soon as it will accept the stain.
Wet the wood with your garden hose and apply a liberal coating of the cleaner using a pump sprayer.
Before scrubbing with a stiff bristle broom.