Stain wood porch floor
To stain a wood porch floor begin with a plan. Rain and the amount of humidity in the air will determine when it is the best time to stain a wood porch floor. The stain that you put on wood porch floor can remain durable for many years if applied correctly. Wood stains can be purchased in a multitude of colors to match or contrast your decor. Water-base and oil-based wood stains are available to suit your taste when you are ready to stain a wood porch floor.
Instructions
1. Measure the area to be stained. This will help you buy the right amount of wood stain for your project. On the average a gallon of wood stain will cover 200-400 square feet. Most manufacturers recommended several thin coats of wood stain. And stain manufacturers also recommend that you do not "thin" the stain. Apply as is out of the can. Read the label for specific directions for the wood stain that you are using.
New wood normally requires less stain because the wood grain is more tight. Old wood is more porous because of the weathering it has sustained. Ideally staining new wood will take far less preparation than staining old wood flooring. The same process can be used for railings, steps and wooden furniture.
2. Before you begin sprinkle several droplets of water on the new wood flooring. If the water beads up or does not penetrate, the wood is not ready for staining. Wait one to two weeks and test for absorbency again. The wood must be porous to absorb the stain into the grain.
3. Preparing previously painted wood flooring takes some time. I highly recommend scrubbing the floor the day before with a mild detergent, or an ammonia or vinegar solution and then rinse thoroughly with lots of plain water. Let the area dry completely for at least 24 hours. One of the easiest ways to make the stain or paint adhere better is to scrub, rinse and dry the surface first. Remove any loose paint and sand lightly. Repair loose boards before proceeding.
If more than a light spot sanding is required, be aware that sanding and scraping may generate dust or fumes that contain lead. Eye and respiratory protection are a must. Also protect any pets that are hanging around while you work. Exposure to lead dust may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects especially children and pregnant women. For more information call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD of contact your local health authority.
4. Before you start the actual wood staining process, gather all of the tools that you will need together at the work site. Something to open the stain can, a stirring stick, a paint brush, roller or sprayer are necessary items. A piece of plastic to set the stain can on to prevent rings on the floor is helpful. A damp cloth to wipe up stain spills immediately and a hammer to put the lid back on the can tightly when you are finished will round out the list of supplies. Knee pads will protect your knees if you are using a brush.
5. Ideally a dry slightly windy day is preferable for quickly drying the stain on the wood floor. The temperature should be above 40 degrees with humidity below 50%. I have been using Sherwin Williams Deckscapes which is a waterborne deck stain for my current porch project. The temperature is about 65 degrees with a slight wind and I can see the stain sinking into the new wood on my porch. This is an exterior acrylic deck stain that should last for years. Wait two hours to apply the second coat and 24 hours before walking on the porch floor.
6. Safety is an issue while the stain is drying. You can use the yellow "Caution" tape to close off the area. Since I have tenants going in and out of the building I am using several brooms, yard rakes, plastic crates, etc. to designate the area. The area that I am working on is about 5x8 feet' so I have stained 3/4 of the area, let it dry while the remaining area can be used for foot traffic. When the stain is completely dry, reverse the restricted area and complete the staining process. Remember, wait 24 hours before allowing foot traffic on the newly stained floor.
7. Clean-up is just as important in your plan as getting the tools together to start the job. Return the hammer, screwdriver, rakes, caution tape, etc. to where they belong. If you put your tools back where they belong they will be there when you go to use them the next time.
Cleaning brushes after using a water-base stain is common sense. There is more thrown out the window by people that buy a brush and throw it out rather than clean it property. I will admit that oil-base stains and paint are a bit tedious to clean. But there is no excuse when you are using water-based stains and paint. Liquid soap and warm water works well. I use a finger nail brush to scrub the metal that holds the bristles in the handle. I use a simple piece of heavy wire bent into a big "C" to hang my brushes to dry from a knob or cupboard handle. Brushes can last for years and save you a lot of money if you will clean them well when you are finished using them.
8. My credentials to write this "How to" advice is that I am sort-of-60 and I have been managing and maintaining a four-unit apartment house for twenty-five years. I had some rotten boards replaced on the front porch with tongue-and-groove Southern yellow pine. Now that I have put two coats of exterior acrylic stain on the raw wood, the job is complete.
9. NOTE: Ideally, wood floor boards should be stained on "all" sides before they are installed on the floor. Although rain water lays mainly on the top of the flooring, all sides of the boards are affected by dampness, mildew and lack of sun. The raw boards can be "dipped" in sealant and thoroughly dried before they are used as flooring. Unfortunately, few floors are done this way.
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