Exterior Deck Sealing in Sherwood, Oregon

Exposed to the elements, worn out, scratched and scarred, wooden decks tend to develop mold and other problems fairly quickly.
Although a quick wash may make your deck look better, without a good seal, it will leave you with crumbling boards and unappealing colors.
A wooden deck is best sealed before the rainy season.

If you’re optimistic about sunny summer days ahead and need to refresh your deck, here are some quick tips on how to seal and waterproof your deck.

Test for Water Resistance

Test the water-resistance of your deck by spraying some water from a hose onto its surface.
If the water rolls off the surface of your deck, you don’t need to seal it. If the water seeps into the wood, you have to seal it.
A deck that holds water bends and bulges, which ultimately weakens it.
Choose a deck seal that is appropriate for your type of wood. Most seals are suitable for any wood.
Next, spray the deck with water so that its entire surface is wet.

Clean the Deck

Thoroughly wipe the deck with a scrubbing brush, removing any leaves, mold, or other material that has accumulated on the surface.
If you don’t have a very clean deck before sealing, the deck seal mixes with all the dirt, dust, and debris.
Then your problem will only get worse. Don’t forget to put away any plants or anything else that the deck seal could harm.
After the first round of washing, rinse the deck again to remove any leftover.
Leave the deck for at least a day to dry.

Apply the Sealer

Apply the deck sealer in the corner of the deck with a brush or paint roller, following any instructions available on the packaging. Make even strokes and make sure that the sealant does not accumulate anywhere. Move out of the corner so that you can apply sealing to the whole deck without stepping on it.

Go over the deck only once and use the deck sealing sparingly. An even layer should cover the entire deck in a single color.
Allow the deck sealer to dry for at least a day before walking over it.

Pro Tips:
• A clear deck seal lets the color of your deck shine through. If you prefer to change the color, try a colored sealant or stain instead.
• Using a professional deck cleaner ensures that you have a perfectly clean deck before you seal it. However, wiping them with water should suffice for most tasks.
Note:
Many deck sealants contain dangerous chemicals that should not come into contact with your eyes or mouth. Always use gloves and wear safety glasses if your eyes are sensitive.
It is common to use a pressure washer rather than a hose to wash off a deck. However, pressure washers can damage sensitive or old wood and cause unsightly scratches. If you are concerned about the strength of your wood, stick to a water hose.
A waterproof deck is not necessarily a strong deck. Before applying deck sealer, check the strength of all your boards for rotting. Remove rotten wood.

Request for a Free Quote

If you need professional help repainting, staining, or sealing your deck/home exterior, Maller Painting would be more than happy to help.

We have years of residential painting experience serving the areas of Beaverton, Sherwood, and Tigard, Oregon.

To give us a try, book a FREE estimate below or call us on (503) 410-6366 if you have any questions.

Kevin Maller

Kevin began painting houses with his father’s company, C&K Painting, in 1996. His father taught him how to use a brush, roller, and caulk and clean a brush properly. He then worked for several other paint companies, where he learned how to spray oils, lacquers, and all water-based finishes. In 2012, after 15 years of experience, he decided to get licensed and start the Maller Painting Company. His team has focused on providing the best re-painting services to our residential clients in the Beaverton area.